Outstanding Alumni Award
Steven G. Barger
Program Chair and Professor, DMACC Criminal Justice Program
Indianola, IA
Known affectionately around the Ankeny Campus as “Super Trooper,” Steven Barger is passionate about preparing the next generation of criminal justice professionals for success.
After earning his AA degree on the Ankeny Campus in 1993, Steven enrolled in the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Upon completing academy, he began a career in law enforcement that included service as an Iowa State Trooper. In his time with the Iowa State Patrol, Steve was tasked with several high level assignments, including serving in the special agent division of criminal investigation, the special agent division of narcotics enforcement, and the special agent division of intelligence.
His work in intelligence led to a role on the Law Enforcement Intelligence Network where he continues to serve as a member, instructor and team leader. He has vast experience in narcotics and deep cover, participating in thousands of undercover operations over the years.
In addition to his law enforcement duties, Steven has been an invaluable member of the DMACC family as a guest speaker, adjunct, faculty member, and now chair of the department. His professional and academic pursuits combined a few years back when he was involved in a sting operation that required an undercover narcotics buy just minutes before he was due to teach a class
The consummate professional, Steve completed the buy and immediately headed to class. Still in his undercover outfit that included long hair, earrings, and a tattered biker t-shirt, it was to tell whether he was there to log into the computer or to steal it.
Among the most respected members of the DMACC family, Steven has had an immeasurable impact on hundreds of current and future members of Iowa’s law enforcement community.