Cardiellea Barksdale: Behind the Badge and the Bachelor’s
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
October 16, 2025
MOUNT OLIVE – When Wilmington Police Corporal Cardiellea Barksdale checks in for her shift, she knows lives may hang in the balance. From investigating difficult sexual assault cases to training women in self-defense, justice has always been her mission. But behind the badge, Barksdale has quietly pursued another milestone, earning her bachelor’s degree in justice studies from the University of Mount Olive, a goal that took longer than expected but carried just as much weight as any case file.
Barksdale, 32, began her path into law enforcement after completing Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) and earning her associate degree from Sampson Community College in 2015. From there, she set her sights on UMO, knowing a bachelor’s degree would be vital for reaching her ultimate goal of working at the federal level.
“I always wanted my degree to reflect what I believe in,” Barksdale said. “Justice is what I fight for every day in my career. It just made sense to pursue a degree that aligned with my calling.”
Her career quickly took off. After only two years with the Wilmington Police Department, she was promoted to detective, specializing in investigations of adult sexual assault and crimes against children. The work was meaningful but heavy, and the secondhand trauma took a toll. In 2018, Barksdale was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, a condition she attributes in part to the stress of her work.
What followed were years of trial and error with treatments, a major surgery that turned into two, months of recovery, and insecurities that tested her spirit. Yet, even while hospitalized, she carried her laptop to keep up with UMO coursework. “It was by the grace of God, my family and friends, and my professors’ understanding that I was able to finish the semester with A’s,” she reflected. “That time reminded me how determined I am to see things through.”
Her determination has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, Barksdale has earned numerous awards and commendations, including recognition from the U.S. Secret Service, the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office, and the Wilmington Police Department, where she was honored with the Life Saving Award in 2025. She also finds great fulfillment teaching women’s self-defense courses through WPD, a monthly program that empowers citizens and builds stronger community connections.
Despite her demanding night shift schedule, Barksdale credits UMO’s online program for making her educational dreams possible. “There was no way I could sit in a classroom with my schedule. Online learning gave me the flexibility to keep pursuing my dream,” she said.
Looking back, Barksdale calls finishing her degree the most rewarding part of her educational journey. “It has taken longer than I planned, but I never let life stop me from accomplishing what I set out to do,” she said. “Now, I will have options I did not before. Whether that means promoting within WPD or starting a federal career, my degree has opened new doors.”
Her professors have also left a lasting mark, particularly Dr. Tim Malfitano. “He gave genuine feedback and encouragement and always understood my perspective as someone in law enforcement. His classes were easily the highlight of this journey for me,” Barksdale shared.
As she looks to the future, Barksdale hopes to continue investigative work, whether locally or federally, and to keep empowering women through self-defense instruction. She also offers advice to other working adults considering returning to school: “It may seem impossible, but you can do it, even if it takes longer than expected. No one’s journey looks the same. All you can give is your best, and that is plenty.”
Originally from Columbus, GA, and raised in Faison, NC, Barksdale is the daughter of Charlie Mae and Willie Barksdale and the twin sister of Chardiellea. She credits her family’s encouragement and prayers as a steady force throughout her journey.
“I know I have made them proud,” she said. “They are just as excited to see me walk across that stage as I am to do it.”
Barksdale will not be slowing down anytime soon. In fact, she has already planned her next solo adventure, leaving the day after graduation to celebrate.
“Finishing this degree was ten years in the making,” Barksdale said. “But it proves that persistence and faith carry you through.”
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. It was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
