The College of Arts and Sciences named M Douglas Cotton the winner of the 2014 Outstanding Alumni Award at the Honors Day Reception on April 25th.
Cotton graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences with a BS in Criminal Justice in 1986 and a Masters in Public Administration in 2006. He started a 26-year career in law enforcement with the Wilkes County Sherriff’s Office following graduation in 1986. Cotton quickly rose from patrol deputy to a sergeant in criminal investigations and was transferred to the Narcotics Division in 1991. He continued to advance in rank and was promoted to Chief Deputy in 2011.
Wilkes County Sherriff Chris Shew said of Cotton, “He has spent the past 26 years giving his life to law enforcement… his persistence and determination has greatly improved the safety and security of the citizens in our region.”
Cotton received a Congressional Appointment to the US Department of Defense Polygraph Institute and was awarded an advanced degree in Forensic Psychophysiology. He has also trained with the FBI and the DEA. Cotton was instrumental in establishing a Hazardous Devices Unit for northwestern North Carolina and worked to train, supervise, and speak on behalf of special units. In 2013 he was elected president of the North Carolina Bomb Association and published an article drawing on his experiences during an intervention in Wilkes County.
Cotton is an active supporter of students and programs at Appalachian State University including the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Government and Justice Studies. Cotton also works with students attending Forensic Science summer camps. He brings his experience and knowledge to the ASU Police Department and trains with the ASU Police on emergency response, working to improve the safety of all students and personnel at Appalachian State University.
For his continued support of Appalachian State University, the College of Arts and Sciences honors Mr. Cotton as the 2014 Outstanding Alumni.