Law – Page 5 – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Alcohol, Meth, Child Abuse: What has gone wrong? 10th Court of Appeals at SHSU

by Olivia Discon

For fourteen consecutive years, the LEAP Center at Sam Houston State has been proud to host the Texas 10th District Court of Appeals on our campus. With a newly elected Chief Justice, Matt Johnson, a newly appointed Justice, Lee Harris, and 3 thought-provoking cases, the LEAP Center was grateful to help coordinate and host this event for the Huntsville community.

Appellate Courts are fascinating, due to the fact that they have, of course, been heard in trial court previously. Distinctions between interpretations of case law, the handling of the case, and legalese can be found at the 10th Court of Appeals.

The other unique thing about this experience is that each attorney has three minutes reserved for a brief overview of their argument, during which they can turn to the audience to speak.

It is here that attorneys can provide context about the initial case and its history, along with their chief arguments they will make before the Justices.

The lawyers then have twenty minutes each to make their argument, along with a five-minute rebuttal from the appellate attorney.

For the Ambassadors, the primary tasks were to (1) ensure the room was ready, and Ms. Rowley from the Criminal Justice Center was very helpful in this regard; (2) ensure all the equipment worked; (3) provide questions and the identities of elected officials to the Justices and Clerk Williamson;

…and (4) to take photos.

Having the opportunity to view legal proceedings of this nature on our campus is an incredible opportunity.

We had several community friends join us for the day, including Pat Graham, City Councilmember; Linda McKenzie, GOP Republican Party Chair; Scott Swigert, City Manager; Judge David Moorman of the 12th District Court; Dr. Kim Webb, Justice of the Peace of Jacinto County, Pct. 4. Will Durham, District Attorney of Walker County, was of course in attendance, given that they were the Appellee on 2 of the cases that day!

After the 11am case, the court graciously opened up for a brief Q&A session with our students. We got some new insights on the manner in which the courts are organized and how they make it to the 10th Court of Appeals.

We then had lunch with the Justices before the final case of the day. This experience is always a pleasure, and having the opportunity to connect with such esteemed individuals as students who are interested in the field of law is incredible.

After a full day of court hearings, and a Pre-Law Society meeting to attend to later that day, we sadly concluded an event full of learning, law, and community.

Thank you so much to Chief Justice Johnson, Justice Smith, and Justice Lee…

…for your dedication and for continuing this opportunity for our students.

SHSU Pre-Law Among Top in Nation

Few schools offer as much as SHSU when it comes to preparing students for a career as an attorney. Sam Houston has a dedicated pre-law advising center (the LEAP Center), offers law-related internships, features a robust Pre-Law Society, boasts extensive programming, sports a Moot Court team, and ranks among the top four percent in North American Universities as a “law-school feeder,” according to the Law School Admissions Council.

One small part of this equation is students’ access to free practice LSATs under supervised conditions, professionally scored. Each long semester, the LEAP Center hosts a Mock LSAT, where students–freshmen to post-grad–can come in and take the LSAT under test-like conditions. In the past year, more than 100 students have availed themselves of this option.

This includes 45 students who showed up today, on a rainy Saturday morning for a three-hour test.

All of them are part of the Pre-Law Society at SHSU, one of the largest academic organizations on campus, and one of the largest pre-law organizations in Texas.

The simulated test provides many advantages: (1) it provides test-day conditions for the LSAT, giving students a better idea of what to expect on the day of their real test; (2) it gives students an idea of how close they are to achieving their desired score; and (3) it allows them to compete for the Pre-Law Society scholarship for LSAT test preparation.

These advantages are just some of the reasons that SHSU ranks among the top LSAT feeders in the country. Of course, that ranking also reflects the fact that SHSU students are sufficiently dedicated to their studies and their futures that will awake early on a Saturday and sit through a grueling test.

For the motivated students at SHSU or who might be considering SHSU for their pre-law studies, advising is available at the LEAP Center. Professor Mike Yawn (mike.yawn@shsu.edu) or Ms. Jean Loveall (jal072@shsu.edu) can assist students with a timeline, steps to take, and, of course, regular opportunities such as the Mock LSAT.

Law and Leadership at the Local Level

Every Wednesday in the fall and spring semesters, a select group of freshmen meet to learn about leadership. The topics vary, but the emphasis on building leaders persists from week-to-week and, in fact, from year-to-year. For one of these sessions, the LEAP Center offers a program, typically focusing on leadership at the local level, and this year was no different: Professor Mike Yawn and LEAP Ambassador Chrissy Biello adopted roles of locally elected officials to demonstrate how a courtroom operates.

Thus, last week, a simulated voir dire was presented to 24 students selected for the Freshman Leadership Program, as well as program leaders Dante Tamez, and Emily Figueroa. Professor Yawn took on the roles of judge, defense attorney, and prosecutor, while Chrissy took on the role of District Clerk.

Each student was provided a fabricated background, created by Chrissy, to guide the students’ answers as prospective jurors. Some students, for example, had been convicted of various crimes; others had clean records; some were Republicans; others, Democrats; some were unemployed; some were employed, and some were overachievers. Beyond these general biographical details, students could fill in their answers in a manner they believed consistent with the backgrounds provided.

The presentation went through being called for jury; arriving and filling out paperwork, which sometimes contains intrusive questions; the research that is done on potential jurors, both behind the scenes and live, in the courtroom; and the screening process, which can also be intrusive.

Along the way, students asked questions; posed scenarios, some of which were not anticipated by Yawn and Biello; and answered voir dire questions in ways that led to more interesting scenarios. One student even–in her hypothetical world–claimed her “water was about to break” and she “needed to be excused from service.” So much for civic duty…

As it turned out, several of the students are on a pre-law path, providing the opportunity for some additional discussion about courses of action. All of the students, however, are on a path to leadership, and after eight months at SHSU and in the Freshmen Leadership Program, are closer to fulfilling their promise as leaders of tomorrow.

Leadership, Law, and Learning: Alberto Gonzales at SHSU

by Michelle Moya

To round off an eventful week, we had the honor of hearing Judge Alberto Gonzales provide both inspiring and informative perspectives. Known for his distinguished career in law, government, and academia–which Olivia Discon shared with us in her introduction…

…Gonzales shared invaluable insights, drawing from his extensive experience as the 80th U.S. Attorney General, White House Counsel to President George W. Bush, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and, most recently, as the Dean of Belmont Law School.

Judge Gonzales began with a visual presentation that showcased personal photographs from his time in the White House, and President George W. Bush, as well as images from his early years.

These visuals setting the tone as powerful reminders of how far a dedicated individual can go—from humble beginnings to the highest levels of government.

But it was principles taught to him by his parents, he explained, that guided him from his humble beginnings as one of eight children born to a construction worker through the highest levels of government service. Gonzales underscored the guiding principles that shaped his path, particularly the importance of “showing up,” his father both literally and figuratively taught him, which he emphasized as a key tenet of the work ethic he hopes to instill in any student.

The presentation seamlessly transitioned into an insightful comparison of Gonzales’ two high-profile roles: White House Counsel and U.S. Attorney General. Judge Gonzales, having held both prestigious positions, offered unique perspectives on these roles that few Americans can provide.

He explained that while both positions serve the American people, they do so in vastly different ways—the White House Counsel advises the President and a select group of legal advisors, while the Attorney General leads the nation’s legal apparatus, overseeing thousands of lawyers, acting as the chief law enforcement officer, and spending a lot of time on television.

Perhaps one of Gonzales’s most memorable moments was being the “designated survivor” by President during the 2007 State of the Union Address.

Using this opportunity to explain the presidential line of succession—from Vice President to Speaker of the House and beyond—and his own astonishment at the possibility that, under catastrophic circumstances, he could have become President of the United States.

Gonzales also focused on the importance of professional networks, sharing his own journey–from serving in the Air Force to attending Rice and then Harvard Law–which led to meeting Governor George W. Bush. This connection would profoundly shape Gonzales’s career–and it is clear his appreciation for this impact remains deeply felt.

When Jacob Wessels asked Gonzales what his most difficult action as Attorney General was, the former AG mentioned the investigation of former Congressman William Jefferson, which involved a search of the Representative’s congressional office.

While law-enforcement officials argued that the search was necessary to nail down a conviction, Gonzales was concerned about long-held principles relating to the separation of powers. He authorized the search, which was challenged in court (eventually being ruled partially unconstitutional), but Congressman Jefferson was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 13 years in prison-the longest such sentence imposed on a member of congress.

Having served many prestigious roles, Judge Gonzales distilled his philosophy into three key characteristics: integrity, vision, and discipline—qualities he emphasized as essential for success in both law and public service.

In addition to his reflections on leadership and ethics, Gonzales offered practical advice for students considering law school as Dean of Belmont Law–to which we listened attentively!

His advice was both practical and powerful: highlighting the importance of staying informed about current legal issues and honing strong writing skills—fundamental abilities for anyone pursuing a career in law and government careers. Gonzales also offered advice to students hoping to go to law school, from what to include on personal statements to the importance of GPA and LSAT scores.

Throughout the session, students were able to pose a range of thoughtful questions.

I had the chance to ask about Gonzales’s time on the TX Supreme Court, which he indicated he wasn’t sure was right for him. Gonzales had spent little time in a courtroom, and he had never been a judge before the appointment. Eventually, though, he decided that service was his calling, and this position led to his eventual appointment as White House Counsel and US Attorney General.

For SHSU students, this interactive discussion proved a great learning experience. As a thank you, LEAP ambassador Chrissy provided Judge Gonzales with a signed copy of the “The FBI Code” by former Assistant FBI Director Frank Figliuzzi. Grateful for his time and wisdom, we left the event motivated to dream big and stay committed to our paths of service and leadership!

Understanding the Legal Process: Insights from a LEAP/COCJ Collaboration

by Chrissy Biello

The Sam Houston State University Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics recently partnered with the SHSU Criminal Justice Department to host a CJ Real Talk event. With approximately 50 students in attendance and moderated by Professor Mike Yawn, the panel featured Montgomery County Chief Prosecutor Darla Faulkner, retired Lieutenant Criminal Investigator for Harris County Paul Smithers, and 12th District Court Judge David Moorman.

Professor Yawn structured the discussion chronologically, guiding the panelists through the legal process from the moment a crime is committed to when it reaches a judge’s docket. To set the stage, he introduced a hypothetical scenario in which a Sam Houston student is caught drinking and driving, registering a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12, which is above the legal limit of 0.08.

The conversation began with Investigator Smithers, who explained the circumstances under which an officer could pull the student over. He noted that probable cause is required to initiate a traffic stop. If the officer administers field sobriety tests, the next steps depend on the county’s policies.

In Harris County, for example, officers must contact a district attorney, provide all relevant details, and obtain approval before filing a charge for driving while intoxicated.

As the case progresses, investigators remain actively involved. When asked about her collaboration with criminal investigators, ADA Faulkner emphasized the close working relationship between prosecutors and investigators.

Smithers elaborated, comparing the dynamic to that of a married couple. Investigators, he explained, are responsible for gathering all available evidence and ensuring no crucial details are overlooked. Their role is to present a complete case during discovery so that defendants receive a fair trial.

When asked what factors could influence a case, Faulkner stressed the importance of mitigation evidence. She explained that defense attorneys should present information that humanizes their clients, such as testimony about their family life, employment, or community involvement.

These factors, she noted, can significantly impact the district attorney’s decision on whether to offer a plea deal. Faulkner further emphasized that many ordinary individuals receive DUI charges, and understanding their personal circumstances can shape the outcome of their cases.

Judge Moorman was then asked whether he had ever defended a DUI case while practicing law and what advice he would offer a student defendant.

He responded that he would begin by looking at the student’s academic record and community involvement, as prosecutors often focus solely on the risks posed by the defendant’s actions. Highlighting positive character traits could help, but he cautioned that students must take responsibility for their actions and avoid making the situation worse by repeating their mistakes.

The discussion then turned to last-minute developments during trials. Investigator Smithers explained that unexpected evidence can surface, requiring investigators to act quickly to obtain necessary documents or verify new information.

This, he said, is why district attorney investigators must be present in court; they need to assist prosecutors in real time. He emphasized that when prosecutors are in trial, investigators are actively involved as well. Professor Yawn humorously added that he had once been told that if a prosecutor asked an investigator to procure a goat for a closing argument, the only acceptable response would be, “What color eyes should the goat have?”

During the Q&A session, many students took the opportunity to ask a question, including one about common misconceptions in the courtroom. ADA Faulkner addressed a prevalent myth about prosecutors: that they must secure a certain number of convictions to meet a quota. She clarified that her duty is to ensure justice is served, whether through dismissals, pre-trial diversions, fines, or other resolutions.

With strong student participation and insightful discussions from the panelists, the Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics was proud to work with the always-wonderful Doris Pratt and the SHSU Criminal Justice Department.

For those interested in similar opportunities, the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals will be visiting Sam Houston State University on April 16 in the CJ Courtroom. Cases will be heard at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.

Pre-Law Workshops at SHSU

On March 19th, the Pre-Law Society (PLS) convened for our second meeting of the Spring 2025 semester.

With a focus on several professional workshops, the officers quickly addressed general business, discussing finances, membership, and exciting upcoming events.

President Olivia Discon unveiled the formation of two new committees, the Communications Committee and the Social Planning Committee, giving members an engaging new way to be involved with the Pre-Law Society.

Afterwards, Professor Yawn, advisor to the Pre-Law Society, presented scholarships to select students: Timi Akindele, Lindsey Castro and Michelle Moya, based on their attendance in previous events.

He then urged the attending members to consider the importance of acting on the information they gain from the Pre-Law Society, highlighting the success of some graduating seniors to motivate the younger members of the organization.

Pre-Law Professionals Workshop

President Olivia Discon then gave a preliminary workshop on basic business etiquette, discussing appropriate business attire and email etiquette.

We then broke off into groups, with members selecting which of the various workshops they wished to attend. These workshops are important because they provide students with valuable knowledge on professional attire, email etiquette, law school timelines, and the law school application process including key do’s and don’ts.

Law-School Timeline Workshop

Led by Pre-Law Advisor Jean Loveall, this workshop aimed to provide clarity to underclassmen about how to carry themselves during their undergraduate programs to best prepare for law school.

During their freshman and sophomore years, Ms. Loveall advised students to select their majors and minors and focus on building a strong academic record and cumulative GPA. Additionally, she advised underclassmen to join PLS, take a mock LSAT to gauge their strengths and weaknesses, begin to think about building their resumes and schedule an appointment with a pre-law advisor each semester.

During the Fall of their Junior Years, Ms. Loveall advised students to begin developing criteria for their choice of law schools and begin to think about professors who might write them letters of recommendation. Here, Ms. Loveall stressed the importance of developing personal relationships with professors, as it leads to stronger letters of recommendation. Ms. Loveall also advised students to begin thinking about their personal statements and to create an LSAC account.

During the Spring semester of Junior year, students were advised to take a practice LSAT and figure out when they want to take their actual LSAT, drafting a study plan accordingly. Students were also told to narrow their law school search and to begin drafting the other components of their application (e.g. the personal statement and optional addenda) in accordance with the standards set by their chosen law schools. Furthermore, students were told to request their letters of recommendation and to request that their transcripts be sent to LSAC. Most importantly, students should continue to meet with their pre-law advisor.

During the Fall of their Senior years, students should register for and take the LSAT, finalize the components of their applications, fill out their FAFSA forms and apply to law school. From that point forward, students must wait for responses from law schools.

Applying to Law School Workshop

This workshop, led by seniors Christina Biello and Hunter Hagan, focused on the process of applying to law school, which the two seniors had diligently undergone during the prior semester.

To begin with, they taught attending members how to make an LSAC account, perhaps the most pivotal step on the journey to law school (As it’s literally impossible to apply without one). Afterwards they ran through a variety of the procedural aspects of applying to law school, such as how to ask for letters of recommendation and how to submit your transcripts to LSAC.

Chrissy and Hunter then discussed some tools available to students that make the process of applying to law school less daunting, such as LSAC forums and the LawHub platform. They also provided a copious amount of advice on topics such as the LSAT, Personal Statements and the benefits of applying for fee waivers during the application process.

Resume Building Workshop

The Resume Building Workshop, led by Olivia Discon, focused on strategies for building a strong resume. Olivia outlined her five step approach to building a strong resume, after graciously sharing her first resume as a necessary example of what not to do when making a resume.

Olivia’s first step is to identify the resources available to you. She highlighted the Career Success Center as a resource available to students on campus, which provides them with templates on their resumes, as well as advice on how to improve them. The second step is knowing how to order your education and work experience. This step focused on understanding how to organize information on your resume, and recognizing what qualifies as relevant experience.

The third step is to know your strengths. Here, Olivia emphasized the difference between hard and soft skills, as well as knowing what skills are relevant for the job you are applying to.

The next is to become a stronger candidate. To do so, a student must utilize opportunities, list the honors they’ve achieved and any volunteer opportunities they may have been involved in. Olivia’s fifth step is to Advance Professionally, Intentionally. Olivia outlined what she refers to as the STAR test (situation, task action result) as a framework to bring purpose and clarity to each section of your resume.

Our next meeting is on April 16th; Stay tuned for our next blog!

ALPR at ACJS: More Crime and Punishment in Denver

by Olivia Discon

After months of compiling data, conducting interviews, and researching, Professor Yawn, Chrissy, and I finally had the opportunity to present our work at the ACJS Conference in Denver, CO. This experience was unlike anything I’d encountered before, and presenting research at an academic conference as an undergraduate was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

So, what is our research about? In short, our group is examining the implementation of police technology in home-rule cities across Texas. Contrary to common perception, innovation in cities isn’t driven by a single department, organization, or state entity. Instead, it emerges from a complex interplay of governance. Our primary focus is on Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs), which rapidly scan license plates to aid in crime prevention. From a policy perspective, ALPRs are particularly interesting because they raise important questions about efficiency, privacy, and local governance.

Professor Yawn, who chaired the panel, led the presentation. As the primary researcher on this project, he has created an incredible opportunity for Chrissy and me to contribute meaningfully to the work.

While we still have a way to go before we “reach saturation” in our research, presenting at ACJS and receiving feedback from an engaged audience was invaluable.

Chrissy, who spearheaded our quantitative data collection, presented the methodology and preliminary findings. She did an excellent job of breaking down the statistical nuances and translating them into clear, digestible insights for us common folk.

Our session also featured a presentation from Tiffin University (TU), where undergraduates Zaria Moore…

…and Lauren Swartzlander…

…shared their public health study on mental health and alternative treatments.

They pursued this research voluntarily with strong mentorship support from TU faculty.

After both presentations, we engaged in a Q&A session with the audience…

…whose thoughtful questions and feedback left us excited to refine and expand our work further.

Safety, Crime, and Health in Urban Spaces

After our presentation, we attended another fascinating session on urban crime patterns and community development. One standout presentation came from Lauren Perron of Temple University, who examined agency collaboration in response to opioid use disorder.

She explored how organizational structure, leadership, and policy decisions impact the outcomes of the opioid crisis, particularly in the context of steering committees.

My favorite presentation of the session was Broken Windows in the Age of Big Data, which focused on Graffiti-Free NYC, a program led by the New York Sanitation Department. The study examined the correlation between quality-of-life indicators—such as graffiti removal and cleanliness—and crime rates.

While perceptions of crime can be subjective, this research provided compelling data-driven correlations that reinforced the impact of environmental factors on urban safety.

Chrissy’s favorite session was Policing the Opioid Crisis, which analyzed police-led deflection programs in Plymouth County, Massachusetts.

This case study, conducted by Professor Sean Verano and student Niki Poutre, explored the effectiveness of these programs in helping individuals struggling with addiction and how police officers ranked the anticipated success of different approaches.

One particularly striking finding was that while deflection programs increased the odds of relapse, they did not significantly impact fatal overdoses.

This session was our favorite of the conference—not just because we could finally relax after our own presentation, but because the discussions were incredibly thought-provoking. The insights we gained from these panels will undoubtedly inform our research moving forward.

Presenting at ACJS was a milestone experience, giving us the chance to engage with experts in the field, refine our work, and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of crime, policing, and policy implementation.

Dinner at Le French

by Chrissy Biello

Feeling the weight lifted off our shoulders, we headed to Le French for dinner. Founded by Senegalese-French sisters Aminata Dia and Rougui Dia, Le French is known for its combination of many worldwide influences and modern French cuisine. As semifinalists for the James Beard Best Chef in the Mountain Region in 2024, the Dia sisters have brought their culinary expertise to the forefront, making this dining experience even more exciting.

Through LEAP, my peers and I have had the unique opportunity to dine at James Beard-nominated and award-winning restaurants, and this was another highly anticipated experience for Olivia and me. Having not eaten much due to nerves, we were more than ready to indulge in what promised to be a great meal after a long day.

With little experience in French cuisine, Olivia and I found many menu items intriguing. To sample a variety of dishes, Olivia opted for the prix fixe menu. For her starter, she chose French Onion Soup, a dish she had never tried before.

When it arrived, she was thrilled with her choice. Not only did she enjoy a new experience, but she also discovered a dish she truly liked.

Professor Yawn and Stephanie ordered the escargot as their appetizer, and they were equally pleased with their selection.

For our main courses, I ordered the Saumon Fumé Savory Crepe, Olivia got the Suprême de Poulet Sauce Champagne (chicken breast with champagne sauce), Professor Yawn chose the Colorado Bass et Plantains, and Stephanie decided on the French Onion Soup.

When our meals arrived, we were all delighted with our choices. In true LEAP fashion, we made sure to sample each other’s dishes. Every selection turned out to be excellent, giving us a variety of flavors to experience.

For dessert, Olivia had the Panna Cotta, a dish featuring hibiscus, citrus, and marmalade berries. This was another first for her. Additionally, we shared a crème brûlée as a table.

It was a day full of firsts, from trying great new foods to presenting at our first academic conference. Nevertheless, we are especially grateful for the guidance of Professor Yawn and Stephanie. Their insights and encouragement, even their lighthearted stories to ease our nerves, were invaluable and something we could not have found elsewhere.

The Yard Milkshake Bar

Later in the night, after doing some laundry, Olivia and I walked to The Yard Milkshake Bar for another sweet treat. I chose the Cookies and Cream Cheesecake milkshake, while Olivia went for the Cake Batter milkshake. Both were delicious and well worth the walk from our hotel.

With the stress behind us, we are excited to continue our trip, filled with fun, learning, and new experiences.

Crime & Punishment in Denver

by Olivia Discon

The ACJS Conference has officially begun! As we inch closer towards our presentation on Automated License Plate Reader technology (as it relates to the Criminal Justice world), the anticipation only continues to rise. This is our first time presenting on a panel at an academic conference–or any conference, for that matter! With that being said, we of course scoped out the space and enjoyed several sessions on day one.

Criminologists Converge

While hundreds of criminologists converged at the Sheraton in Denver, we split up a bit, maximizing the coverage of the conference and the sessions it offered. Collectively, we attended sessions on “Perceptions of Law Enforcement Technology,” where the standout presentation was “Support of BWCs by Type of Law Enforcement Agency,” by Dr. Mustafa Demir (John Jay);

“Rational Choice Theory and Crime: Emotions, Cognitions and Opportunity Structures,” which featured SHSU professors Timothy Barnam…

…and Shaina Herman;

…”Crime, Data, and Technology;” and the Presidential Panel: Key Strategies for Successful Academic-Practitioner Partnerships, the latter of which, we turn to next.

A Presidential Panel with the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University

The highlight of these sessions was unanimous among our group, which was the Presidential Panel from Sam Houston State University’s (SHSU) College of Criminal Justice. We were, of course, incredibly biased, but it was fascinating to see the various leaders within the college along with the diverse institutes they represent.

As noted by Dean Lyons, SHSU is uniquely positioned to serve as a leader in the criminal justice field, and the College has “its finger on the pulse” of criminal justice.

Whether it be forensic science, corrections, policing, criminal justice legislation, or sociological phenomena, SHSU remains a leader, a resource, and an asset to the state of Texas. Interestingly, the nationally recognized program is the reason I chose to attend college and, by extension, to major in criminal justice.

We had the opportunity to hear from John Ray, Executive Director of LEMIT;

…William Wells, Faculty Research Director of LEMIT; Christie Haney, Assistant Director of CEMIT; Michael Aspland, Executive Director of the Institute of Homeland Security;

Ryan Randa, Associate Professor; Doug Dretke, Director for the Office of Comparative and International Education and Leadership;

…Erin Orrick, Associate Dean for Programs and Assessment; and Dr. Bitna Kim, President of ACJS, professor at SHSU, and former doctoral candidate at SHSU!

Among the College of Criminal Justice at SHSU’s many accolades and amenities, what stuck out was its embodiment of a concept, noted by John Ray, as “pracademics”.

The relationship between academician and practitioner, as we devolve further into niches and silos, is more important than ever. I truly respect how SHSU has gone beyond what others simplify Huntsville to be–a “prison town” – and instead aim to drive crucial research and policy that impacts the state, our country, and impressively, the entire world as it relates to criminal justice.

It was a great opening to a first experience for us, made all the more comfortable and welcoming by being among friends and mentors.

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