The Sterling College Criminal Justice program will host Nick Sowers, Rice County Sheriff-Elect, for its keynote lecture on Tuesday, November 19. The College will host Sowers at 7 p.m. in Heritage Hall in Cooper Hall. The public is invited to attend this free event.

“We are thrilled to hear Nick share his vision for the Sheriff's Department. He has such a heart for Rice County. Nick truly is an exceptional role model for our criminal justice students,” said Dr. Mark Tremaine, associate professor of criminal justice. 

Nicholas “Nick” W. Sowers is a seasoned law enforcement professional with 20 years of dedicated service. Born and raised in Rice County, Nick has deep roots in the area, and his passion for public service was shaped early on by the values of community, hard work, integrity, and faith. Nick currently serves as Corporal with the Sterling Police Department.

Nick holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Friends University and has received numerous leadership certifications through the Kansas University Public Management Center.

A man of deep Christian faith, Nick is actively involved in his local church, Encounter Church in Sterling, where he attends with his family. His devotion to Christ guides his personal and professional life, shaping his decisions and interactions with others. He strives to embody Christ’s love and service in everything he does, both at work and in the community.

As the Sheriff-elect for Rice County, Nick is committed to upholding the Constitution, enhancing public safety, and building trust with the community he has served for decades.

The criminal justice program at Sterling regularly hosts notable individuals within the area of criminal justice, including: Derek Schmidt, Kansas attorney general; Stephen McAllister, U.S. District attorney for the District of Kansas and Caleb Stegall, Kansas supreme court justice.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.