The Department of Criminal Justice at ECU prides itself on fostering an environment of excellence, where dedicated faculty members are committed to student success both academically and professionally. This commitment is clearly demonstrated through the numerous awards and accolades received by our faculty, highlighting their expertise and dedication to the field. These achievements directly contribute to the high-quality education and career readiness of our graduates, preparing them for successful futures in criminal justice and related fields. Events like the Ecu Criminal Justice Career Fair 2018 serve as vital platforms connecting our well-prepared students with potential employers and career opportunities.
Our faculty’s dedication is consistently recognized through prestigious awards, starting with the Chair’s Faculty Excellence Award. This annual award, established in 2011, honors a faculty member who embodies excellence, teamwork, and significant contributions to the department’s success. Past recipients showcase a consistent record of outstanding faculty, including Dr. Patrice Morris (2010-2011), Dr. Mark Jones (2011-2012), and repeated recognitions for Dr. Heidi Bonner and Dr. Jon Sorensen, among other deserving individuals. The consistent recognition of faculty through this award underscores the department’s ongoing commitment to recognizing and fostering excellence in its ranks.
Beyond departmental recognition, ECU Criminal Justice faculty members consistently earn College and University Awards & Competitive Professional Development Opportunities. Dr. Heidi Bonner, for instance, was honored as a BB&T Faculty Leadership Fellow in 2015, demonstrating leadership and commitment beyond the classroom. The dedication to impactful teaching is further exemplified by Mrs. Keri Grimsley and Mr. Chad Jordan’s multiple Campus Living Honored Instructor awards. Faculty commitment to student career development is also acknowledged through awards like the Career Services Faculty Impact Award, received by Dr. Mark Jones in 2020. Furthermore, numerous faculty members actively participate in professional development programs such as the ECU Leadership Development Academy and the ECU Engagement and Outreach Scholars Academy, continuously enhancing their skills and contributions. Their engagement in initiatives like the ECU Alternative Textbook Program and Writing Across the Curriculum Academy further enriches the learning environment and demonstrates their commitment to innovative pedagogy.
The impact of ECU Criminal Justice faculty extends beyond the university, with significant External Awards & Competitive Professional Development Opportunities. Dr. Mark Jones received the prestigious American Correctional Association’s Peter P. Legins Research Award in 2018, highlighting the national impact of faculty research. Mr. Daniel Culver’s recognition with the Criminal Justice Educators Association NYS Richard Lewis Award in 2021 further emphasizes the broad reach of our faculty’s contributions to criminal justice education. Dr. Heidi Bonner’s North Carolina Criminal Justice Association Founder’s Award and Dr. Scott Walfield and Dr. Sara Bryson’s SAGE Junior Faculty Professional Development Teaching Awards are additional examples of external validation of the department’s commitment to excellence in both teaching and service to the field.
Finally, the dedication to high-quality course delivery is evident through Quality Matters Certification. Faculty members like Mr. Dan Culver, Dr. Michele Stacey, Mrs. Keri Grimsley, Dr. Sara Bryson, and Dr. Steven Brewer have achieved Quality Matters certification for their courses, ensuring that students receive a rigorously designed and effective learning experience. This commitment to quality online and blended learning environments is crucial in today’s educational landscape.
In conclusion, the ECU Criminal Justice Department’s faculty are not only award-winning but also deeply committed to providing students with a top-tier education that prepares them for successful careers. The recognition they receive, from internal departmental awards to national accolades, reflects their expertise, dedication, and impact on the field. This faculty excellence is a cornerstone of the program, ensuring that events like the ECU Criminal Justice Career Fair 2018 are fruitful opportunities for students ready to embark on their professional journeys, equipped with the knowledge and skills imparted by an outstanding faculty.
