Frank Marcell
I, Frank Marcell, am a proud 1972 graduate of Cochise College, Douglas Campus. I wish to share my experience at Cochise College and explain what that education has meant in my life.
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California. The area where I grew up in the 1960s was rough, plagued with gangs and drugs. Yet, despite this environment, I identified that I wanted to be in law enforcement at around the age of 14. Contrary to how my “rowdy friends” felt, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers were my heroes.
Upon graduating from high school I enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving a year in Vietnam and discharged in 1969. After discharging from the military, I tested with the LAPD, but it was not meant to be. I was devastated, uncertain of ever achieving my goal of becoming a police officer. I did not know then, but there were new and valuable things waiting for me at Cochise College.
Soon after, my father suggested I take advantage of the GI Bill. I searched the local library to find community colleges within the Southwest that were offering a police science/criminal justice curriculum. Once I read the literature, Cochise College stood out. I knew I was best suited for a small, hands-on, rural college. Having ridden horses growing up, I was interested in the rodeo program and the agricultural offering. Cochise College waived my out-of-state tuition so I packed up and drove to Douglas. Never having been to Arizona, I will never forget that first drive thinking “Where is this place?”
My initial impression during enrollment was how helpful and nice the registrar and staff were, as well as the quaintness of the Douglas Campus. Being a veteran and a few years older than most of the students, I was asked to serve as a dorm monitor, which drastically reduced my housing costs. During my first year I became the freshman class president and became active in student council. A few veterans and I also started a Veterans’ Club. We directed our efforts toward the youth in Bisbee and Douglas. We initiated a summer program for them and followed through with a few other outreach projects. My second year I was elected student body president. Most importantly I met my wife, Alma, at the college; we are married to this day.
I thrived in the atmosphere at Cochise College, much different than that in which I’d grown up. The instructors offered me more than just content knowledge. They each took a personal interest in my academic and social success. My belief was the administration, staff, instructors, and student body, were motivated together toward providing the best education and positive life lessons.
Upon completing my associate’s degree, I received a scholarship to Northern Arizona University (NAU) in Flagstaff. I could not have received that without the mentoring of Dr. John Edwards, Cochise College president. He always showed kindness and confidence in me. I also owe a great deal to the efforts of Dr. Mary Lee Shelden, my first English teacher. She provided me with skills in reading, studying, and writing so I stopped running two sentences together. A friend to this day, she still encourages me to write my professional experiences as a law enforcement officer into a memoir.
I did graduate from NAU and had a successful 42-year career in law enforcement/corrections. I counseled many young offenders I met when they were in prison, and I tried to explain how they, too, could turn their lives around.
I attribute any acclaims or successes to the foundation I built as a student at Cochise College. My time on the Douglas Campus opened my eyes to what is possible in life. I will forever be endeared to the college and to all those who helped me achieve success. My time at Cochise College became some of the best years of my young life.