AT LIBERTY University’s (LU) Helms School of Government, Amanda K. Trent’s office buzzes with activity. Criminal justice students filter in and out, seeking guidance on internships, future employment, and volunteer opportunities. It’s a far cry but a short step from the halls of the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office, where Trent spent 11 years, and the Western Virginia Regional Jail, where she spent 15 years. Still, the transition from law enforcement to academia has only amplified her impact on the criminal justice system and those it serves.
Trent is no stranger to acts of service. Her father, a career law enforcement officer, set the example that led to her own career with the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office.
“Watching him work faithfully at serving others was impactful. I knew I wanted to do the same,” Trent shared.
Today, she’s a faculty member and associate dean of the Helms School of Government.
Protecting and serving is in her DNA. She feels it’s her calling, too, one guided by biblical direction.
“I have always been drawn to Micah 6:8, where we are told what the Lord expects of us: ‘Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God,’” said Trent. “It’s not His expectation for us to save the world.”
Nonetheless, Trent instructs others in meeting the ever-changing needs of those on both sides of criminal justice.
“I remember that everyone is a child of God, and I want to ensure that I treat the people I come in contact with as such,” stated Trent.
It’s important to her, too, that her hus- band and two daughters are proud of the way she uses the gifts God has given her.
Trent’s experience in law enforcement has proven invaluable in her academic role. Her specialized training as a hostage negotiator, death investigator, and defensive tactics instructor allows her to bring real-world insights into the classroom.
But her impact extends beyond the classroom. She’s leading an inmate reentry study, collaborating with the Jack Brewer Foundation to examine the effectiveness of faith-based programs in reducing recidivism. This research provides valuable data and offers students hands-on experience in the field.
Trent’s commitment to rehabilitation and justice isn’t limited to domestic efforts. She’s conducted training missions in Belize and Ecuador, working with prison systems and trafficking victims. These international experiences have deepened her understanding of global criminal justice issues.
“I had the opportunities to work with former traffickers that have given their lives over to Christ and provided some unique insight into how victims are recruited and maintained,” Trent explained.
Despite the challenges of transitioning careers, Trent finds her work at LU deeply rewarding. The impact she can have on students’ lives moves her.
“There is no denying that the Lord is working on this campus and with the student body,” Trent said. “It gives me so much joy to be involved in the lives of these young people.”
As she continues to shape the next generation of criminal justice professionals, Trent remains guided by her faith and commitment to service. Her journey from law enforcement to academia is a powerful example of how one can seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly in any field. GN
