How CFCC Shaped a Career in Public Safety for Michael Greenway

Deputy Sheriff Michael Greenway knows Cape Fear Community College from more than one perspective. As a former student and now a Campus Resource Officer with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, CFCC has been part of nearly every stage of his education and career.

Greenway was homeschooled with his siblings before starting work at a young age. As he focused on earning a paycheck, he considered getting a GED. A manager encouraged him to pursue a diploma through CFCC’s Adult High School program instead, which set him on a new path.

After earning his diploma, Greenway worked in customer service and healthcare. “While working at the hospital, I got to know the company police officers there. They introduced me to the field, and that’s when I decided to go to BLET.”

He enrolled in CFCC’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program, attending classes at night while working during the day, and graduated in 2014. He has served with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office for over a decade.

Advancing in Public Safety

Seeking to advance, Greenway returned to CFCC for the Public Safety Administration program. Designed to provide technical, managerial, and administrative knowledge across law enforcement, emergency management, EMS, and firefighting, the program covers budgeting, public policy, grant writing, incident management, supervision, and local government finance.

“Public Safety Administration doesn’t just cover law enforcement,” he explained.

“It gives you a broad, well-rounded picture of what it takes to work in the public sector. If you want to grow your career in public safety, it’s a great program.”

The fully online format allowed Greenway to balance work, school, and family. “I could work as a resource officer here at CFCC, meet my duties with the Sheriff’s Office, and still keep up with my schoolwork,” he said.

Being on campus also gave him a unique advantage. “I could stop by my instructors’ offices if I had questions. Most online students don’t get that opportunity, but for me, it was invaluable.”

Achieving a Personal goal

In May 2025, Greenway earned his Associate in Public Safety Administration. Thanks to CFCC’s transfer agreement with NC State, he transitioned seamlessly into the university’s Leadership in the Public Sector bachelor’s program this fall.

“For me, it’s a personal goal,” he said. “On my side of the family, I’m the first to finish college. There are other things I’d like to do with teaching, and to get there down the road, you’ve got to have the education.”

Balancing full-time work and college was demanding, but the payoff was clear. “On graduation day, we pulled my kids out of school so they could see me walk,” Greenway said.

“That was huge to show my kids that Dad finished. All the long hours and hard work paid off.”