Russell Harney

Biography

Russ Harney, an Assistant Professor, serves as the Program Director for the Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Programs. He has been employed at Indiana Wesleyan University since 2011. 

Previously, Professor Harney served as a trooper with the Kentucky State Police (KSP). His career began as a cadet trooper in 1991.  Upon graduation from the KSP Academy, Trooper Harney was assigned to the Dry Ridge Post, where he worked as a uniform trooper for nearly four years. Other assignments at the Dry Ridge Post included DARE officer, narcotics investigator, and detective.  In 1998, Trooper Harney was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the Richmond Post, where he was a squad and detective sergeant. Two years later, Sergeant Harney was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the Dry Ridge Post. After serving two years as the operations lieutenant at Dry Ridge, Lieutenant Harney was promoted in 2002 to captain and assigned to the Harlan Post as commander. In 2003, Captain Harney transferred to the Human Resources Branch as the commander, where he served for three years. In 2006, Captain Harney was transferred to the Campbellsburg Post as commander, where he served until 2008.  That year he was promoted to major, serving as the Professional Support Troop Commander providing leadership for the Academy, Supply, Human Resources, Properties Management, Internal Affairs, and Recruitment Branches. Major Harney’s 20-year career with the KSP ended on August 1, 2011, with his retirement.  During his law enforcement career, Major Harney received two Commissioner Commendations, a marksmanship ribbon, a 500,000 miles Safe Driver Award and the Colonel, Aide de Camp, Commissioner’s Staff Commission. 

Originally from Dry Ridge, Kentucky, Professor Harney earned his undergraduate degree in Police Administration from Eastern Kentucky University and a master’s degree in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville in 2009. Professor Harney also earned a graduate certificate in National Security Studies from American Military University in 2020. 

Professor Harney graduated from the Southern Police Institute 102nd Administrative Officers Course in 1999, where he earned the Southern Police Institute Director’s Award for Academic Excellence, Graduate Program. 

Professor Harney was also certified as a law enforcement instructor by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council and taught various classes at the Kentucky State Police Academy.

Professor Harney is an active member of his local church, where he leads and teaches a weekly small Bible study group. He also teaches financial stewardship classes and provides financial counseling. 

Degrees

• Graduate Certificate in National Security Studies
  2020, American Military University
• MS - Justice Administration
  2009, University of Louisville
• BS - Police Administration
  1991, Eastern Kentucky University