Shane Mendez

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

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.