From Classroom to Courtroom: Criminal Justice Alum Models Career Readiness at State Attorney’s Office

When Jamieson Kea walked across the stage at Florida Atlantic University’s commencement in May 2025, she knew one thing for certain: She wanted a career that would put her right at the center of the justice system. What she couldn’t yet imagine was what path she would take to get there.

Little did she know that today, just months after graduation, she would already be making a difference working at the Florida State Attorney’s Office led by Alexcia Cox —the same person who delivered the commencement address at her graduation.

“Her speech was very inspiring,” said Jamieson. “You could tell she truly meant what she said.” In her speech, Cox recounted the details of her own career path, her experiences wrestling with how to do the right thing and make a difference in society most effectively, and the importance of being confident in yourself. 

As a Victim Witness Coordinator cross-trained as a legal assistant, Jamieson helps victims, witnesses, and law enforcement officers navigate the trial process. She ensures that they’re prepared, present, and supported during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

“Students from the FAU College of Social Work and Criminal Justice have thrived in our office, both as interns and full-time employees, demonstrating each day how the tools and training they received at the university have prepared them to succeed from day one,” said State Attorney Cox. “We are proud to welcome Jamieson to our office as she launches her career in public service. FAU has clearly prepared her well for this path, and it is inspiring to see her turn classroom learning into meaningful, real-world impact.”

Prioritizing Student Success: From Theory to Practice

Like many people, Jamieson’s interest in criminal justice was initially inspired by true crime documentaries and police procedurals like Criminal Minds. Majoring in Criminal Justice at Florida Atlantic transformed those interests into concrete knowledge about criminology and the workings of the legal system.

"Jamieson's success is a prime example of how Florida Atlantic transforms lives and communities through education and career preparation," said FAU President Adam Hasner. "We are excited to see Jamieson launch her career in public service so quickly after earning her degree, and we are grateful for the opportunities State Attorney Alexcia Cox brings to Florida Atlantic and our graduates through her meaningful partnership."

Jamieson credits the courses she took in the latter part of her degree—particularly her classes in forensics with SCCJ Instructor Pat McLaughlin, which now form the core of a new minor in Forensic Investigations—with shaping and focusing her professional passions.

Those courses equipped her with practical tools she now uses daily. From learning legal terminology (especially the Latin phrases common in courtroom proceedings) to understanding the roles of judges, officers, and prosecutors, Jamieson’s education at Florida Atlantic laid the foundation for the work she’s doing today.

“I am so proud of what Jamieson has achieved,” McLaughlin said. “She was always eager to not just learn material, but to fully engage in it. She was enthusiastic and open-minded about whatever she encountered in classroom lectures, hands-on learning, and practical experiences.  Student success is our biggest motivation as educators, and I can’t wait to see how Jamieson explodes into her potential paths.”

Finding Her Place in the System

During her job search after graduation, Jamieson cast a wide net. She considered military service as a route toward a career at the FBI or CIA, she explored opportunities as a paralegal, and she looked into roles at rehabilitation centers and working with disadvantaged youth.

After sending out dozens of applications, she spotted a job posting at the State Attorney’s Office. She applied, got the job, and almost immediately felt a sense of alignment with her new position when she sat in on a double traffic homicide trial during her first week at the office.

“It was a very tragic case to watch,” she said. “But seeing the victims’ families in the courtroom and knowing that we were helping them get justice—that was powerful.”

Looking Ahead to Law School

Not only is Jamieson thriving in her current role at the State Attorney’s Office—the experience has inspired her to set her sights on the next step in her career path: law school.

“Originally, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go the law enforcement route or the legal route,” she explained. “But working here made up my mind. This is definitely where I want to be.”

Jamieson notes that many of the people she works with each day in her division are recent law school graduates themselves, which helps give her insight into the process.

“It’s an amazing group of people at the State Attorney’s Office. I get to watch them learn together and help each other out, which is really encouraging. It’s such a great learning experience.”

For now, she’s grateful to be serving her community and applying the lessons she learned at Florida Atlantic to real-world justice.

“Jamieson’s story is a perfect illustration of the many different career pathways that are accessible through a degree in criminal justice,” said Ryan Meldrum, PhD, director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. “We couldn’t be more proud of the critical assistance she is able to offer victims of crime and their families through her work at the State Attorney’s office, and we look forward to following her progress as she prepares for a career in law.”