̽����Ƶ

Some moments forever alter the course of a family’s life. For Kevin Muller, that moment came on Feb. 14, 2018, when both of his daughters were inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. Like parents across the country, Muller watched events unfold in disbelief, but unlike most, he knew his daughters were among the students trapped inside. As a father, nothing could have prepared him for the uncertainty of those terrifying hours. As a veteran and longtime public safety professional, the experience forever reshaped his understanding of the importance of school safety, public policy, and community responsibility.

Muller's oldest daughter found refuge inside the school's band room, where she and her classmates prayed together while the tragedy unfolded. His youngest daughter was attending English class in Room 1216 inside Building 1200, one of the classrooms most directly affected by the attack. Eight students in the room were struck by gunfire, and three died. Muller's daughter survived by taking cover beneath her teacher's desk as bullets passed nearby. Although his family was profoundly grateful that both daughters survived, the tragedy became a defining moment that strengthened Muller's determination to better understand the systems, policies, and leadership decisions that influence public safety.

A Dream Renewed Through Purpose

Muller’s connection to ̽����Ƶ began long before 2018. He first enrolled in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice in 1992 with every intention of completing his bachelor’s degree within a few years. As is often the case, life presented new priorities. He married, built a successful career in public safety, raised two remarkable daughters, and devoted himself to serving his community. Finishing his degree remained an important goal, and he knew he would accomplish it when the time was right.

That opportunity arrived in 2019 when his oldest daughter enrolled at ̽����Ƶ. Watching her begin her own college journey inspired Muller to return to the classroom himself. At the same time, the events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School gave his education a deeper sense of purpose. Completing his criminal justice degree was no longer simply about achieving a personal milestone. It became an opportunity to strengthen his understanding of criminal justice, government, public policy, and leadership while continuing to advocate for safer schools and stronger communities.

��

On Dec. 15, 2022, exactly 30 years after first beginning his studies, Muller earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. The following day, he celebrated another unforgettable milestone as he watched his daughter receive her diploma from Florida Atlantic. Together, their graduations became a powerful reminder that perseverance often produces life’s most meaningful accomplishments.

“It taught me the true value of perseverance,” Muller said. “No matter how long it takes to achieve your goals, the journey is worth the effort.”

��

College of Social Work and Criminal Justice Founding Dean Naelys Luna, Ph.D., shared that Muller’s story demonstrates the power of education to turn life’s greatest challenges into opportunities that make a lasting difference.

“The tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School profoundly impacted families and communities throughout Florida, and Kevin’s story reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable hardship, education can become a pathway to purpose. His decision to return to Florida Atlantic, complete a goal that was decades in the making, and dedicate himself to strengthening public safety while advocating for safer communities reflects extraordinary resilience. We are proud to count Kevin among our alumni and grateful for the example he sets for future generations of leaders,” she said.

A Career Built on Service

Muller’s commitment to protecting others has defined his professional life for more than three decades. His public safety career began in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a security policeman from 1985 to 1989 during the Cold War, including a deployment to Ankara Air Station in Turkey. While later stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, he had the honor of providing presidential security for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush aboard Air Force One.

After completing his military service, Muller continued serving the public, working in various roles for Broward County Public Schools’ Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness Division for 10 years before beginning a career as a park ranger. Over the past several years, he has protected natural resources and visitors in communities including Boca Raton, Coconut Creek, and Coral Springs. Today, he serves as a park ranger for the city of Coral Springs, continuing a career centered on service, leadership, and public trust.

Turning Experience into Advocacy

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy strengthened Muller’s commitment to school safety advocacy and civic engagement. Drawing on both his professional experience and his criminal justice education, he became actively involved in supporting efforts to improve campus security and expand student mental health resources. He participated in local elections, supported candidates committed to strengthening school safety, and advocated for meaningful policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels.

Over time, Florida implemented significant school safety enhancements, including metal detectors, security cameras, single-point entry systems, panic alarm technology, and expanded mental health initiatives. Muller believes his Florida Atlantic education provided an important foundation for understanding how government, public policy, and criminal justice professionals work together to create meaningful change within communities.

“As I reflect on my public safety career, my advocacy and fatherhood, I see how all three of these areas blend together,” Muller said. “I firmly believe that my studies at ̽����Ƶ and the completion of my criminal justice degree have provided me with a lifelong foundation that helps bring balance to my life and career.”

An Owl Family

Muller shared that today, ̽����Ƶ represents far more than the institution where he completed a long-awaited degree. It has become an important part of the family story. Muller, his wife Jeaneen, and both of their daughters are all proud Florida Atlantic alumni, creating a shared educational legacy built on perseverance, service, and lifelong learning. Jeaneen now serves at Florida Atlantic’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, where she supports alumni and community engagement, extending the family’s connection to the university beyond the classroom.

“We’re incredibly proud to be an Owl family,” Muller said. “Florida Atlantic has become part of our family’s educational, professional, and personal journey.”

School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Director and Professor Ryan Meldrum, Ph.D., said that Muller’s experiences illustrate the important role criminal justice education plays in preparing leaders to address complex public safety challenges with knowledge, empathy, and purpose.

“The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting remains one of the most heartbreaking events in our state’s history, and Kevin brings a perspective that few people can fully understand as both a father of survivors and a lifelong public safety professional. His commitment to completing his degree at Florida Atlantic demonstrates how the intersection of personal experience and higher education can lead to significant impact, inspire thoughtful leadership, drive advocacy, and empower communities,” he said.

��

A Message for Future Leaders

Muller hopes his journey encourages students who may wonder whether it is too late to pursue their educational goals. He believes careers, families, and unexpected life experiences often shape educational paths in ways that cannot be planned, but those detours should never prevent someone from reaching the finish line. He also encourages students interested in public safety or government service to explore Criminal Justice coursework, even before declaring a major.

“Life and education don’t always travel in a straight line,” Muller said. “Give yourself permission to take a left or right turn. Those unexpected turns can become some of the most rewarding parts of your life and educational journey.”

��