“It was exhilarating,” said CSUSB alumnus Gurpreet Gill ’23 of his presentation at the 2024 National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education (NCORE). In the presentation, Gill, captain in the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff, and his co-presenters highlighted the impact of their initiative, the College Collaborative System, demonstrating the transformative power of education in combating recidivism in the prison system.

Reflecting on his experience at NCORE this past spring, Gill described it as both humbling and educational. “It reinforced the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and viewing things from different perspectives," he said.

Gill has always prioritized education and professional growth. As a young adult, his passion for law enforcement led him to the police academy. He then pursued his bachelor's degree in history from Cal State Hayward, now known as Cal State East Bay, graduating in 2000. Gill’s dedication to continuous learning saw him return to academia later in his career, eventually completing his MBA degree at CSUSB’s Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration in 2023.

Gill's professional journey is intertwined with his personal experiences as an immigrant. Born in India, Gill moved with his family to the United States as a teenager.

"Growing up in India, my father was in the army, and we moved frequently. We used to move every three years due to his postings, so I learned how to adjust to new things. I learned the value of hard work, adaptability and the importance of working on yourself consistently," he explained. These values have been instrumental in Gill's ascent through the ranks of law enforcement, culminating in his promotion to captain in early 2024.

One of Gill's significant professional contributions is his work with the College Collaborative System, which provides educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals. He developed the system with another CSUSB alumnus, Patrick Marshall, former colleague and Inmate Rehabilitation Manager for the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff. Their efforts have not only facilitated access to education but have also contributed to reducing rates of recidivism, or the tendency of a convicted individual to reoffend and return to prison.

"Education has a direct impact on breaking the cycle of reoffending. Providing individuals with skills and knowledge opens up new opportunities and paths for them," Gill said.

Gill's leadership extends beyond his professional achievements. He is an advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion, consistently pushing for these values within his agency and the broader community. His commitment to mentoring and guiding others is evident in his interactions with his colleagues and students.

"I believe in investing in myself and encouraging others to do the same. Education and continuous learning are crucial for personal and professional growth," he said.

In addition to his position at the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff, he is an adjunct faculty member at Mission College in Santa Clara. Gill teaches introductory courses in criminal justice, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with students. His approach to teaching is rooted in transparency and encouragement.

"I tell my students that if I can manage a full-time job, family responsibilities and education, they can, too. If I can provide them any sort of guidance, I do. I hope to impact their lives in a positive manner,” he said.

His commitment to service, a core tenet of his Sikh faith, drives him to help others without expecting anything in return.

“For me, it’s about making it collectively better for everybody,” he said. “I ultimately want my legacy to be that I was a good human being.”