PETER COFFEY
COLLEGE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Criminal Justice Master's Program
Peter Coffey doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional college student.
Even with an age gap between him and many of his younger peers, a background as a U.S. military veteran, his job as a deputy sheriff in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and his role as a married father of four, he has never felt out of place on campus. In fact, Coffey, who will graduate with a master’s degree in criminal justice, said it’s the differences that made for such a deep, rich educational experience at UNO.
"In the military and in law enforcement you tend to at times be isolated ideologically, you’re not exposed to a lot of outside and differing opinions, there’s a culture and you’re isolated in that culture," he said. "Coming to a college campus and talking to a lot of professors who have different ideologies than you, and obviously students, you get a different perspective and you start living your life in a different context because you’re not in a bubble anymore."
Coffey was born in upstate New York native but has been longtime resident of Omaha following his service in the military. He was initially drawn to UNO for its reputation as one of the most military-friendly universities in the country. The Office of Military and Veteran Services provided crucial support during his time at UNO, acting as a liaison between himself and the U.S. Veterans Administration and translating his military service to college credit. He was also able to build bonds with fellow veterans he encountered on campus.
"Sometimes there can be a generational gap between someone just getting out of the military and a fresh college student," Coffey said. "But I had some peers where I didn’t feel alone at all."
While many of his fellow Mavericks find their support systems within student organizations, he jokes that he finds his strength to succeed in his "club."
"My club is back at home, taking care of everybody, and helping out," he said.