Two Roger Williams University Alumni Serve as Captains in Rhode Island State Police

October 15, 2026By Kelly Brinza

Rhode Island State Police Captains Heather Donahue and Melissa A. Rand are double Hawks who credit their time at Roger Williams University with preparing them for leadership roles in law enforcement. Image Credit: Rhode Island State Police

BRISTOL, R.I. - Two Roger Williams University (RWU) graduates are serving as Captains in the Rhode Island State Police, applying their education and professional experience from the School of Justice Studies to leadership roles within the statewide law enforcement agency.

Captain Heather Donahue 03, M'08 is Officer-in-Charge of the Professional Standards Unit, which handles complaints about State Police employees and examines allegations of misconduct. The unit's work supports accountability and professional conduct across the agency.

Captain Melissa A. Rand '08, M'13 serves as Division Administrative Officer. She oversees the administrative operations and resources that support the State Police, including human resources, accreditation, records, information systems, fleet and supply, and capital projects.

Both Captains credit their education at RWU with helping prepare them for careers in law enforcement and leadership.

"My education at Roger Williams University provided me with a strong foundation that has served me throughout my career with the Rhode Island State Police," said Donahue. "The Criminal Justice program gave me a broader understanding of the justice system and helped develop the critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills that became increasingly important as I progressed in my career."

Donahue's career has included patrol, criminal investigations, and specialized investigative assignments. She served at the Wickford, Hope Valley, and Lincoln Woods Barracks before moving to the Detective Bureau in 2012. She later held supervisory positions in the Major Crimes Unit and was promoted to detective lieutenant in 2022. She subsequently led the Special Victims Unit.

Her work has also involved collaboration with state and federal partners on cases involving human trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence. She has worked with the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Homeland Security Investigations Task Force. Her responsibilities have included coordinating training in domestic violence, sexual assault, and use of force.

Donahue said her experience at RWU helped connect her academic studies with the demands of a law enforcement career.

"What I valued most about my experience at RWU was the connection between academics and the real-world challenges professionals in the criminal justice field face," said Donahue. "Looking back, Roger Williams University played an important role in my professional development. It helped prepare me not only to begin a career in law enforcement, but also to grow as a leader throughout that career. I am proud to be an RWU alum and grateful for the role the University played in helping me get to where I am today."

Donahue earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2003 and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Management in 2008. She graduated summa cum laude with a minor in Psychology as an undergraduate.

Rand's experience spans several areas of law enforcement, including field assignments, investigative work, and specialized services. Her career has included service in the Forensic Services Unit, work as a crisis negotiator, and membership in the Rhode Island Sex Offender Registration Unit. That experience now informs her administrative leadership, which supports the agency's personnel, resources, and operations.

"Studying Criminal Justice at Roger Williams University afforded me the opportunity to establish a strong footing that has supported me throughout my career with the Rhode Island State Police," said Rand. "Many of the professors at RWU have real work experience in law enforcement, which assisted me significantly in preparing for my career."

Rand earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from RWU in 2008 and a master's degree in Criminal Justice in 2013.

Through their respective roles, both alumni contribute to the leadership and operations of the Rhode Island State Police while drawing on the education and experience they developed throughout their careers.