Michael Oltersdorf earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University in 1973. After graduation, Michael started his law enforcement career in the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Dept. where he served admirably and with distinction. Michael later moved to Leelanau County, Michigan, where he was elected Sheriff in 1991, and is still serving the people in that capacity.

As Sheriff, he demonstrates the kind of unique leadership qualities that encourage promotion of change. As part of this changing enforcement environment, he was the first to assist in the development of the Northern Michigan Community Policing Consortium with the School of Criminal Justice. Today the Consortium has 13 police partners in the Grand Traverse area that work together initiating community-policing practices.

Sheriff Michael Oltersdorf is truly a leader within the law enforcement community across the State of Michigan. He serves as a member of the School of Criminal Justice Alumni Association, Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice and the Michigan Committee on Domestic Violence Model Policy. Furthermore, he has brought senior citizens and law enforcement together to address their community issues and special needs through an initiative called TRIAD.

In 2004, Michael Oltersdorf was the recipient of the School of Criminal Justice Alumni Service Award for his dedication and work for the School.