Janet Hartman – an FSU alumna (B.S. Interdisciplinary Social Science ’21, M.S. Criminology ’23) – was appointed executive director of the Florida Public Safety Institute (FPSI) at Tallahassee State College.
Hartman is committed to advancing training, development, and innovation in the field of public safety: law enforcement, corrections, firefighting, and emergency management.
Her professional focus is on public safety and the reduction of recidivism through reentry opportunities.
“My interest in reentry programs has been realized through my work with inmate work crews at FPSI,” Hartman said. “We engage them as members of our team, ensure they receive training and opportunities to gain skills, and introduce them to vendors who employ justice-involved individuals.”
As a first-generation, nontraditional college student, Hartman attended FSU utilizing state tuition waivers. Due to the support, she received at FSU, she was able to continue her education and earn her master’s degree in criminology.
“Working full-time and pursuing education taught me resilience,” Hartman said. “It was through these challenges that I gained the confidence to pursue roles that weren’t traditionally held by women. It ultimately prepared me to become the first woman to serve as executive director of the Florida Public Safety Institute, proving that your experiences can open doors you never imagined.”
In the Interdisciplinary Social Science (ISS) program, Hartman specialized in emergency management in urban poor areas. She later used this knowledge to implement recruiting efforts to reach those who may have never considered public safety careers and offered scholarships to reduce the impediment of economic considerations.
When asked what aspects of the ISS program influenced her career goals, Hartman said, “The research components helped me to gain a greater understanding for not only the existence of an issue, but also how the data supports why something happens the way it does in our society. It helped me to more critically evaluate societal issues.”
Looking back on her journey, Hartman advised, “Take time to understand your ‘why.’ Knowing the reason behind your goals will keep you motivated. For me, my passion for serving others and promoting public safety careers comes from wanting to make a real difference in my community. Find what drives you — it will guide your decisions and help you stay focused when challenges arise.”
For more information about FSU’s Interdisciplinary Social Science program, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/iss.