The Sterling College Criminal Justice program will host Robert Jacobs, associate director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), for its keynote lecture on Thursday, April 9. The event will take place at 7 p.m. in Heritage Hall in Cooper Hall. The public is invited to attend this free event.

“We are honored to welcome Robert Jacobs to Sterling College. His extensive experience in law enforcement and leadership within the Kansas Bureau of Investigation provides a valuable perspective for our students who are preparing for careers in criminal justice,” said Dr. Mark Tremaine, professor of criminal justice.

Jacobs began his career with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation in 1997, initially serving part-time in communications before transitioning to a full-time role as a crime analyst. In 2001, he was appointed as a KBI Special Agent and was assigned to the Wichita Field Division, where he worked violent crimes and government integrity cases. During his time as a Special Agent, he served on the KBI High Risk Warrant Team from 2003 to 2018.

In 2018, Jacobs was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge and managed the KBI’s Crime Scene Response Team. He later served as the agency’s Executive Officer beginning in 2020, acting as liaison between the KBI and the Kansas Legislature and managing the Office of Governmental Affairs. He was promoted to Special Agent in Charge during this time before being named Associate Director in June 2023.

As Associate Director, Jacobs oversees the day-to-day operations of the KBI and the management of approximately 350 employees. Throughout his career, he has served on the KBI Peer Support Team, completed the Certified Public Manager program through the University of Kansas, and earned multiple certifications in crime scene investigation and use of force. He has also served on several nonprofit boards.

Jacobs holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and sociology from Baker University and a Master’s degree in criminal justice from Washburn University, where he has served as an adjunct faculty member since 2000.

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.