LEJA Faculty and Stafff

Law Enforcement and Justice Administration

Faculty

LEJA faculty are comprised of a diverse group with varying ethnic and educational backgrounds. In addition to the requisite doctoral degree, the majority of the faculty also have extensive prior practitioner experiences. It is the combined diversity of degrees, experience, and backgrounds that strengthens the program and delivery of course work and services that underscore the School's reputation for excellence. LEJA faculty strive for quality and distinction and are committed to offering a combination of theory and professional practicality within their classes which benefits our students when seeking employment. The University have recognized several LEJA faculty members for their commitment to excellence in the classroom. LEJA faculty members also invest their time and expertise by serving on Departmental, College, and University committees. Many of the faculty additionally serve on community committees and participate as board members on state and national advisory boards in varying aspects of the criminal justice/public safety profession. Faculty members also contribute to the field by providing new knowledge through research and scholarly activities, by providing training and research seminars, and by providing technical assistance to agencies in the profession.

LEJA faculty members research within their respective fields of expertise and regularly attend seminars to keep current on issues and trends within the profession and to integrate new relevant information into their course work. This is particularly critical in the law and technology based courses that are offered to our students. Since the criminal justice system revolves around court decisions at the state and federal level, it is paramount that LEJA professors research new court decisions and integrate them into their courses. Of equal importance are the changes in technology which impact both the profession and investigations and classroom lectures and activities. In the last several decades criminal activities have moved online. The internet, drone usage, G.I.S. technology, smart phones, and thermal technology, to name a few have become ubiquitous in solving crimes. Investigating cyber crimes and using cyber technology to solve cases is a significant part of our curriculum. Over 90 percent of the LEJA professors enhance their courses through the use of varying technologies and several faculty members have been recognized by the University for integrating technology within the classroom. Most of the LEJA professors have participated in a variety of technology workshops offered by WIU’s Center for Innovation, Teaching and Research and/or have participated in state and national training seminars.