JTC 25: From the Range to the DOJ

Inspired by her father’s and husband’s global experiences, Katelyn Foust discovered her calling to serve others.

“My dad was a contractor, and growing up, he traveled the globe and would come back and tell us stories of the people he met, the places he went and the things that he saw,” Foust said. “It gave me a heart to serve other people. My husband was in the Army and had a lot of the same stories.

“I said, ‘Oh my gosh, there’s a need in this world to serve people that can’t help themselves.’” 

Foust, who is scheduled to graduate in May from the University of Mississippi, turned that revelation into action by working toward a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a focus on homeland security. Her focus of study is complemented by a triple minor in law, intelligence and security studies, and global security studies.

Her exceptional academic performance, demonstrated by a 3.90 GPA, showcases her determination to succeed in demanding fields, said Wes Jennings, chair of criminal justice and legal studies.

“Katelyn represents the very best of our criminal justice students – driven, intellectually curious and committed to academic excellence,” Jennings said. “Her strong GPA, rigorous course load and engagement in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College reflect her exceptional work ethic and passion for learning.”

Foust, who hails from Goshen, Indiana, chose to intern with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Oxford Police Department during her time at Ole Miss. She describes these experiences as the internships of her dreams.

“They taught me a lot about writing skills and career skills, and they just gave me the opportunity to ask them questions about what the career path looks like and what interview processes look like,” she said. “I was gifted with coworkers that really took me under their wing, loved me and poured into me, and that was really great.”

Jennings said her dedication to public service is “truly inspiring.”

“Her hands-on experience with the DOJ and the Oxford Police Department has given her a strong foundation in criminal justice, and her goal of transitioning into a career with the FBI speaks volumes about her commitment to making a meaningful impact,” he said. 

Perhaps most impressive, however, is Foust's ability to maintain her exceptional academic standing while competing as a collegiate athlete, Jennings said.

“Balancing the demands of a student-athlete while excelling academically is no small feat,” he said. “As a criminal justice major and a key member of the Ole Miss NCAA women’s rifle team, Katelyn has demonstrated academic excellence, discipline, resilience and leadership.”

Rifle has been a big part of Foust’s life. She fell in love with the sport when she was 6 and continues to compete. Despite being a relatively individualized sport, she describes her time on the Ole Miss rifle team as “family oriented.”

“Athletics has opened up opportunities for me to get involved in the community,” she said. “While I love community service, I can't always create those opportunities on my own.

"However, being part of SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Committee) allows me not only to participate in outreach, but also to share those opportunities with my team.” 

Through her role on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Foust also coordinates community initiatives, such as “Feed the Sip” and Trunk or Treat.

These efforts reflect her commitment to creating opportunities for others and strengthening the community. Her dedication to service extends to her work with Pinelake Church, where she serves as a small group leader and prayer team member.

“Community service gives me the opportunity to remember that the world is not all about me,” she said. “There are things going on around me that might be really difficult.”

With her passion for service as a guiding principle, Foust is drawing from her internship experiences with the DOJ and local law enforcement as she pursues federal employment opportunities where she can extend her impact to a national level.

Top: Katelyn Foust, who graduates in May with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, is dedicated to public service and hopes to help create opportunities for others and strengthen communities wherever she goes. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services

See more photos from Katelyn Foust's Journey to Commencement