125 Anniversary Celebration: Marvel Barnes, Jr.

May 14, 2025

Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about Western Illinois University students, alumni and community members, highlighting their experiences during our 125th anniversary celebration. We will feature 125 individuals from August 2024 to August 2025.

MACOMB, IL - - Marvel Barnes, Jr. is using his education at Western Illinois University to pursue his dreams. The senior Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) major is taking steps to make those dreams a reality.

"I am in the process of graduating and applying for a job with the Illinois State Police or the United States Secret Service, and I feel that WIU's LEJA program has provided me with an insight into what to expect from the academy in terms of academics," Barnes said.

Barnes' favorite memory at WIU is being a part of the RockyTHON 2025 Morale Team. He has also been involved in various LEJA clubs, as well as the Preeminent Gentleman's Society and Pi Kappa Phi and working as a desk assistant in Thompson Hall.

He credits much of his success to being involved in the multitude of activities and clubs at WIU, and encourages any students considering WIU to check out what clubs may be available to them.

"Make sure to go onto the Involve website and check out all the clubs and activities that WIU has to offer every semester," Barnes said.

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local WIU students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.

To learn more about WIU's LEJA program, visit wiu.edu/LEJA.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing

Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University