Murray State University alumna Bridgett Sentmore turns a calling to serve into a career protecting children

MURRAY, Ky. — For Bridgett Sentmore, a career in law has never been about titles—it has always been about protecting those who need an advocate most. 

After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Sentmore enrolled at Murray State University, determined to pursue a career in justice. Today, the 2019 graduate has earned her Juris Doctorate from the Nashville School of Law after balancing law school with a full-time career and raising two children. Her experiences investigating crimes against children continue to fuel her commitment to strengthening legal protections for juveniles. 

“I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer,” Sentmore said. “I wanted a program that would give me a strong foundation and criminal justice was exactly that.” 

That foundation began in Murray State's Criminal Justice program, where faculty members challenged, encouraged and prepared her for the demands of both investigative work and the legal profession. 

Among those mentors were Dr. Daniel Hepworth and Dr. Katy Hancock, whose investment in her success left a lasting impression. 

“They were constantly building me up,” Sentmore said. “They made sure I had all the tools I needed to succeed.” 

Following graduation, Sentmore joined the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, where she spent six years serving children and families before advancing to the agency's Special Investigation Unit. There, she investigated high-profile crimes against children across multiple Middle Tennessee counties, including severe abuse cases involving foster care, educators and other individuals in positions of public trust. 

The work exposed her to some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable, but it also reaffirmed the path she knew she needed to take. 

“I realized I needed to move up in order to make a bigger difference,” Sentmore said. “That job motivated me to finally pursue my law degree.” 

While serving with the Department of Children's Services, Sentmore completed the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Social Work Academy, receiving specialized training in identifying child abuse, human trafficking and drug-related risks affecting children. That training sharpened her ability to recognize subtle warning signs—skills that helped locate a trafficked child and connect vulnerable youth with critical services.

“That training taught us to recognize things that were right in front of us but easy to miss,” Sentmore said. “It allowed me to better protect children and connect them with the services they needed.” 

As her career progressed, Sentmore often found herself drawing on lessons first learned in Murray State classrooms. Criminal justice theories helped her approach complex investigations with confidence, while the program's emphasis on writing prepared her for legal research, investigative reports and the legal documents she drafts today. 

“The writing skills I developed at Murray State have stayed with me," Sentmore said. “I still use those lessons today when I write contracts and legal documents.” 

Beyond academics, Sentmore said Murray State provided something equally valuable: confidence. 

Transitioning from military service to college could have been intimidating, but she found a campus community that encouraged her to pursue ambitious goals and supported her every step of the way. 

“I don't know where I would be without Murray State,” Sentmore said. "The encouragement and support I received made all the difference.” 

Today, Sentmore's passion for juvenile justice extends beyond her legal practice. Her research focuses on juvenile Miranda rights and false confessions, and she is collaborating with legislative leaders to explore stronger legal protections for children during police interrogations. 

“My goal is to help strengthen protections for juveniles," Sentmore said. “Every child deserves to understand their rights and I hope to make a meaningful impact through my legal career.” 

From Marine Corps veteran to Murray State graduate, child protection investigator and attorney, every chapter of Sentmore's journey has been guided by a commitment to service. 

“What started as a general interest in justice became a passion for protecting children,” Sentmore said. "That's the work I hope to continue for the rest of my career.” 

To learn more about Murray State’s Criminal Justice program, visit murraystate.edu/criminaljustice.