Adam Ferguson

Master of Public Administration Student

In the heart of West Lafayette, Indiana—a place where cornfields stretch endlessly and the community thrives on deep-rooted connections—Adam Ferguson, ’25, stands at the forefront of local law enforcement. As the recently appointed Chief of Police for the West Lafayette Police Department (WLPD), Ferguson is driven by an unwavering mission: to guide his department through an era of change, growth, and public safety challenges with vision and determination.

“West Lafayette is experiencing a lot of growth, and my job is to keep the police department as prepared as possible to address any public safety challenges we face,” Ferguson says. “We have adopted a lot of new technology to help us do our jobs, but I would like to get back to the basics and focus on helping our officers perform to the best of our ability. Tools and technology are great, but our people are our most important asset.”

Ferguson’s journey with the WLPD began in 1999 as a dispatcher. In 2001, he took the solemn oath as an officer. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, serving as a sergeant and lieutenant in the patrol division before being promoted to captain. Throughout his 20-year tenure, he also has taken great pride in his role on the WLPD Special Response Team, which helps to protect the community in high-stakes situations.

Yet, Ferguson knew that to lead his department effectively, he would need to enhance his understanding of administrative processes, community relations, and the intricate world of public service management. That’s why he enrolled in Indiana State University’s online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, an ideal fit for his professional aspirations. Indiana State’s MPA offered a comprehensive curriculum that covered not only administrative theory but practical, real-world applications.

“This degree not only helps with what I do now, which is a lot more administrative work, but also with human resource issues and grant writing. The courses I’m taking are more applicable to my job now than ever,” Ferguson explains.

Indiana State’s MPA program is specifically tailored for mid-career professionals and designed to equip students with the skills to shape public policies, deliver transparent and ethical services, and make meaningful impact in their communities. For Ferguson, the program has proven invaluable. He now has a broader perspective on public service and administration, from managing complex budgets to implementing effective social policies.

“The program gives me a better understanding of what I do now and offers insights into the other aspects of public service administration,” Ferguson shares. “I’m starting this program somewhat late in life, so I’ve already had a lot of experience and I’m in classes where I’m like, ‘I really wish I would have known this stuff or started this [program] earlier because I would have had a head start.’ But at the same time, that experience has given me a leg up in the program.”

Balancing the demands of a high-stakes career with academic commitments is no small feat, but Ferguson is no stranger to challenge. The flexibility of the online MPA program allows him to manage his professional and personal obligations while continuing his education. He appreciates the understanding of his professors, who recognize the unique pressures of his job and are willing to accommodate his needs.

“The flexibility is fantastic. I can tailor my studies to fit my schedule,” he says.

Though the classroom experience is virtual, Ferguson has developed meaningful connections with his professors and classmates. Through engaging in discussion boards and written exchanges, he gains fresh perspectives that enrich his understanding of public administration. Even without face-to-face interactions, he has built a network of peers with whom he shares ideas and learns from their experiences.

“My interactions with professors have certainly been good. If I’m a little late on an assignment or something, they know that life happens. It’s been worthwhile to be able to communicate with them,” Ferguson adds.

Outside of his work and studies, Ferguson remains deeply involved in his community. He volunteers as a Big Brother and serves as the vice president of the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette. Additionally, he serves as the law enforcement liaison for Special Olympics of Tippecanoe County. These roles provide him with the opportunity to give back to his community and foster the spirit of volunteerism, he says.

As he steps into the role of police chief, Ferguson is acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead – managing budgets and ensuring the WLPD remains adequately staffed and prepared. However, his education at Indiana State has equipped him with the skills and confidence to face these challenges head-on.

“I can’t say enough about how my education at Indiana State is helping me,” he says. “I ask a lot of questions, but I’m not afraid to jump in and make mistakes (hopefully small ones). I’m able to look back at different experiences I’ve had and relate what I’m learning to what I’ve experienced.”

For anyone considering a career in public service, Ferguson has one piece of advice: apply to Indiana State’s MPA program. He says, “The coursework holds the same value to those who haven’t entered the full-time working world just yet. Their courses will give them a head start that others may not have.”

As Ferguson stands at the helm of the WLPD, he knows one thing for certain: the work ahead may be challenging, but with the right education, mindset, and people by his side, he is ready to go ALL IN to lead his department—and his community—toward a brighter, safer future.