What attracted you to Averett University?
- The diversity of programs and classes that are offered as well as the opportunities for program development.
- The opportunity to develop programs that will have a transformative impact on students and the communities that they serve.
- Empowering students to serve and lead as catalysts for positive change in our communities.
What programs do you teach at Averett University?
I teach Sociology and Criminal Justice courses in the Undergraduate and Graduate Programs.
What drew you to this field of study?
I was working in Law Enforcement at the time and it was most obvious to me, even back then, that effective police officers needed exceptional human relations skills and abilities in order to meet the many diverse needs of the communities that I was serving.
Although the police training provided some of the skills needed, my immersion into the discipline of Sociology provided me with a better understanding of the social conditions and structures that formulated the communities that I was serving. The field of study developed an increasing level of understanding for community social problems and conditions which further advanced my level of appreciation, empathy, compassion and concern for individuals living in the many communities I served.
What keeps you excited about it?
I continue to be excited about the discipline of Sociology and Criminal Justice as I have seen the significant influence that the disciplines have had, and continue to have on the delivery of police services in our communities. Increasing Sociology/ Criminal Justice educational access, options, and opportunities will result in increased levels of police professionalism and subsequently safer communities.
What makes this program unique from other schools?
Averett University Online Sociology/ Criminal Justice Programs are very unique as they have a core curriculum that emphasizes:
- community building
- community problem-solving
- community crisis intervention
- community leadership
- understanding community problems and issues
- human relations skills
Our programs empowers and prepares students to serve and lead as catalysts for positive change in the communities that they serve and protect.
What is your favorite course to teach and why?
Senior Seminar at the Undergraduate level and the Comprehensive Exam or Thesis Course at the Graduate level. All three of these courses are “Capstone” courses, which provides an opportunity for our students to articulate their academic knowledge and intellectual growth that they have garnered during their time at Averett. Our students’ academic growth and proficiencies are what makes teaching most enjoyable and rewarding.
Tell us a little about yourself. Why did you become interested in Sociology and Criminal Justice? What is your professional background in Criminal Justice?
I’ve always had a longing and sense to try and make a positive difference in my community. I worked as a police officer for 15 years, and a part-time Magistrate for 5 years.
What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing their Master of Science in Criminal Justice? How can people stand out in this field?
A student who obtains a Master’s degree while working in Criminal Justice puts them in the top tier within their profession. If an individual wishes to work as an Administrator or Command Staff within Criminal Justice Agencies in the 21st Century, the job requirements and expectations demand a Graduate Degree.
The Averett University Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and Leadership degree is an interdisciplinary degree that empowers students to meet and exceed professional and community opportunities and expectations. Our graduates stand out in the field as they demonstrate and display confidence and commitment to providing exceptional Criminal Justice Services within a compassionate and proficient framework. They serve and lead as catalysts for positive change in our communities.
What are the benefits of this level of education in Sociology and Criminal Justice?
Increasing graduate level educational access, options, and opportunities for Criminal Justice Practitioners includes many benefits such as:
- increased levels of retention
- increased professionalism
- enhanced emotional and intellectual intelligence
- greater job performance, satisfaction, confidence, and morale
- increased worker harmony and less workplace conflict
- higher levels of worker innovation
- collaboration, and incentive building
- enhanced communication skills-verbal/non-verbal/ written/ presentation
- enhanced abilities to understand complex social and personal issues
- enhanced understanding and acceptance of diversity
- more likely to adapt, adopt, and improvise (overcome) to changing work and social conditions
- enhanced human relations skills knowledge base- crisis intervention, de-escalation
- conflict resolution, and problem solving skills
- less likely to utilize unjustified excessive violence and force
- reduction in citizen (customer, consumer) complaints
- reduce risk management issues
The overall outcomes of increasing educational access, options and opportunities for Criminal Justice Practitioners results in increased levels of consumer satisfaction; increasing levels of positive police-community exchanges; increased levels of police-public relations, legitimacy, and trust; engaged in Community Centered Policing; enhanced public/ community safety; less violent, safer, healthier, and productive communities.
Averett University Online makes balancing work, family, and education accessible with flexible coursework. Our Faculty and Student Success Team provides personalized support to help assist you through the entire student process.
Apply now and enhance your life!