Shane Mendez

About Shane Mendez

I grew up in northern Minnesota and, in my early twenties, left for Hawaii, where I lived for several years. During that time, I set my sights on becoming a Navy SEAL and eventually enlisted in the U.S. Navy with that goal. After completing boot camp, I attended SEAL training (BUD/S) in Coronado, California, but ultimately did not make the cut. I was reassigned as a Military Police officer and completed the remainder of my service overseas before being honorably discharged.After returning home, I earned a degree in Applied Studies, a combination of aviation and law enforcement. I then joined the Crookston Police Department, where I served for fourteen years and was promoted to Patrol Sergeant. During that time, I trained and mentored new officers, taught de-escalation, worked in crisis negotiation, and created a training program for reserve officers.I later earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration and transitioned into higher education. I currently serve as an Assistant Professor at UND Aerospace, where I teach Aviation History and the Capstone course.My writing grows out of these experiences. I focus on failure, identity, and meaning, and on what happens when the ways people build their identity stop working.

Experience

1. Assistant Professor

   UND Aerospace

   Aug 2023 — Present · Grand Forks, ND, US

Education

• St. Cloud State University

  Master's degree, Public Administration

• University of Minnesota Crookston

  Bachelor’s Degree, Aviation / Law Enforcement

  2004 — 2007

Skills

• Mediation
• Windows
• Crisis Intervention
• Private Piloting
• Criminal Law
• Field Training
• Criminal Investigations
• Fitness
• Mac Os
• Conflict Resolution
• Police Negotiator
• Logistics Management
• Microsoft Excel
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Word
• Team Leadership