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UCM Criminal Justice Department NewsletterFall 2013 Vol. 9, No. 1

Chair NotesI am not sure how we started identifying a theme for each issue of the C.J. Chronicle, but it is a tradition worth continuing. For this issue I have decided that the theme should be “Initiatives,” but that is really nothing new. Anyone who knows the C.J. Faculty also knows that they take the initiative and the lead on several

fronts. So much so that I am frequently playing “catch up” as I scurry along and try to help whenever I can. This theme, however, is altogether fitting for this term. The faculty has come forward with several initiatives that will enhance the learning experiences of our students and increase the department’s professional stature, not only across campus, but across the state, the nation and beyond.

As to the “beyond,” a study tour to Japan is currently in the planning by Dr. Yeok Il Cho and Dr. Betsy Kreisel. Students are already signing up for the tour which is scheduled to embark shortly after final examinations in May. Additionally, Dr. Jennifer Carson is gearing up for a student study experience in Alcala, Spain, for the spring term. More and more we hear about the necessity of having some international experience on a person’s resume.

Additionally, the faculty has made drastic changes in the curriculum that will not only better prepare students for their course work in criminal justice, but also assure the writing skills that are so essential in today’s professional world. This effort was spear-headed by Dr. Besty Kreisel, Dr. Fran Reddington and Dr. Lynn Urban. Dr. Urban currently oversees several sections of “Senior Seminar,” the essential purpose of which is to assure basic writing skills and an understanding of discipline-related concepts prior to graduation.

Another major initiative will begin in the Fall of 2014 when the Department of Criminal Justice will be offering an undergraduate degree in criminal justice online! After considerable discussion and soul searching, the faculty decided that an online degree offering was simply the “waive of the future” if the department was going to remain competitive in the fast-changing world of higher education. As part of that initiative, the department will take on three more full-time faculty members and add more faculty positions as online enrollment grows. These additions will result in a total of 17 faculty members here in the Criminal Justice Department.

Yet another huge initiative for our department is that we now have a Criminal Justice Department Advisory Board. The Board consists of academics and professionals from various professions across the criminal justice spectrum, from police, to courts, to corrections, to juvenile justice. If ever there was a “blue ribbon” group of people, this is it, and I am proud to say that many of these folks are UCM alums who have gone on to great accomplishments. These professionals will help us map the way forward and give us guidance as we prepare for criminal justice education in the years ahead.

Dr. Gene Bonham, has found a way to combine student research projects with professional networking and department PR. Bonham’s Corrections class participated at the Missouri Correctional Association (MCA) Conference on October 3rd by presenting research posters. Ten students participated covering a variety of topics, such as Reentry of Offenders into Society, Detection and Prevention of Contraband, and The Effectiveness of Special Programs for Incarcerated Parents. Dr. Bonham is also actively engaged in research examining faculty attitudes toward “conceal and carry” on college campuses.

Of course, Doctors Etter and Pennel have continued to push our chapter of LAE to unheard of accomplishments. The challenge now facing LAE

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is preparation for Nationals, which the local chapter will host. This means a ton of work, but this team is up to it!

The department also welcomes a new Office Professional to our ranks. Mrs. Christy Mitchell will be occupying the chair previously occupied by Ms. Barb McNeel. We wish Christy a hearty welcome and are gratified that she has not run screaming into the night after catching a glimpse of a very busy semester.

As you can see, we are a department on the move, and the proof is in the kinds of students we attract and the graduates we produce. We are indebted to our students and our alums for carrying our banners proudly and moving our reputation forward with dignity.

Scott Chenault, Ph.D.

Missouri Court of Appeals –Western District 2013

On October 24, 2013, for the 15th consecutive year the Missouri Court of Appeals - Western District convened at UCM. Presiding Judge Mark Pfeiffer, along with Judge Victor Howard, a distinguished alum of the University of Central Missouri, and Judge Joseph Ellis heard arguments in four cases during their time here at UCM. Major planning for the event this year fell to Graduate Assistants Lauren Blanchfield and Brooke Cooley. Thanks to their exceptional planning and hard work, we experienced a great turnout. In addition to students from UCM, there were students from Crest Ridge, Leeton, Odessa, Warrensburg, Warsaw, and Wentworth Military Academy.

In line with the festivities of fall, the luncheon was wonderfully decorated with fall colors and creations. During the well-attended luncheon, special thanks was given to Senator David Pearce and Representative Denny Hoskins, both of whom gave opening remarks before the court convened. The luncheon guests this year included University President Charles Ambrose, Assistant Attorney General Joe Dandurand, Judge Sue Dodson, Johnson County Sheriff Chuck Heiss, Warrensburg Police Chief Bruce Howey, President of the UCM Board of Governors, Marvin “Bunky” Wright, Secretary of the UCM Board of Governors, Mary Dandurand, Lt. Col. Todd Penington with the Whiteman JAG office, and numerous other special guests.

ASC in Atlanta, Georgia!Whether traveling down any of the 32 streets named “Peachtree,” or going to the oldest ballet company in the nation, or relaxing in the lobby of the largest hotel in the southeast, Atlanta is full of fun, great things to see and WONDERFUL food! So what better place to bring thousands criminal justice scholars from around the world? The theme for this year’s conference of the American Society of Criminologists was “Expanding the Core: Neglected Crime, Groups, and Policy Approaches.” As one might expect, the University of Central Missouri’s Criminal Justice Department was very well represented.

Dr. Scott Chenault was able to join in on the presentation fun by presenting a paper entitled: “Doing Time, while Doing Gender: An Examination of the Gendered Nature of Correctional Officer Work.” Following in the great example set by our department chair, Dr. Benjamin Gibbs presented his study entitled: “Severely Disadvantaged Neighborhoods and Parole Revocation: A Propensity Score towards Assessing Neighborhoods’ Risk of Revocation.” Dr. Ashely Wellman, the newest member of our esteemed faculty, presented her paper entitled: “Real to Reel: The Impact of Media Crime Coverage on Cold Case Homicide Survivors.” Because we consider ourselves no less than the best, we wrapped up the conference with a faculty-student research partnership, in which Dr. Randa Matusiak and graduate assistant, Maisha Cooper presented their paper: “From Theory to Application: Is Religiosity a Factor in Criminal Behavior and Juvenile Delinquency.”

Paper presentations such as the ones noted here add greatly to the body of literature regarding a particular problem in the administration of justice. Just as importantly, they put UCM on the map as a quality program and make our stars shine even brighter.

We say “hats off” to the ASC presenters! Was there any time for fun?

CJ Research Scholars: SpainEach year, our faculty members are encouraged to partner up with current students and teach them all they know about the process of conducting research. Through these partnerships, our students are better able to gain a more in-depth understanding

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of research methods and strategies. In addition to the aforementioned benefits of our faculty-student research partnerships, our students gain invaluable research experience that prepares them for future endeavors. This semester several of our students were truly able to learn to a greater degree. Through the contributions of both the CJ department and the UCM International Center, three of our students were able to travel to Alcala, Spain. While there, Professor

Don Wallace partnered with Lauren Blanchfield (far left) and Haley Wheeler (middle), to present their study entitled “The Duty to Secure Rights: A U.S. Exception to a Transatlantic

Consensus” at the 7th Transatlantic Studies Conference, which was held October 24-26 in Alcala. Marijana Kotlaja (right), presented her study entitled “Evolving Cannabis Policy: Will the United States Embrace a European Perspective?”

Great job Lauren, Haley, and Marijana – and their coaches! We know you worked very hard and your work speaks for itself. You make us all very proud!

Mules are a confident breed!

Alpha Phi Sigma: CJ Honor SocietyIt should come as no surprise that the exemplary character and excellence of our CJ students and alums often extends beyond the classroom. A good education should create community leaders. This semester, under the leadership of President Kaylie Schmutz, Vice President Joseph Bucheit, Secretary Julie Majerak and Treasurer Charmainne Sanders, Alpha Phi Sigma, the CJ Honor Society, displayed amazing traits of community involvement and leadership by hosting a toiletry and cleaning supply drive for the Survival House Adult Abuse Center. Survival House Abuse Center provides shelter and support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We here in the CJ Department are extremely proud of our APS students, who collected over 200 items during this drive! The group also sponsored a presentation by Dr. Jessica Hodge on gender-based hate crimes.

Way to go Alpha Phi Sigma !!!

Lambda Alpha Epsilon: LAENot only has LAE continued their legacy of success this semester, but now they have made it onto the airwaves. Tim Fink, treasurer to the Gamma Delta Epsilon Chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association/ Lambda Alpha Epsilon and Dr. Roger Pennel, advisor to the chapter were interviewed on the local radio station KOKO on November 11.

They were interviewed by Marion Woods on his morning talk show, and they just couldn’t help but mention winning the Sweepstakes Trophy for the 12th consecutive year. These guys aren’t bragging, just stating the facts! Their next challenge will be to host the National LAE Conference at the Marriott in Overland Park, Kansas, during the second week of March, 2014.Anyone betting on more trophies?

Pre-Law Student AssociationThe new leadership of PLSA wasted no time in getting this organization on the fast track to success. President Kaylea Bogner, Vice President Alana Caruso, Secretary Rebecca Nabzdyk, Treasurer Andre Tinoco and Historian and Recruitment Chair Maren Veifhaus have provided great motivation and incentive for this organization to take a prominent place as a forum for the discussion of justice issues. This term the group sponsored presentations by Teresa Hensley, Cass County Prosecutor and Captain Phillip Ervie and Captain Kevin Gotfredson from the Whiteman JAG Office. PLSA also sponsored a university-wide panel discussion on sexual assault in the military, a topic that has dominated national media attention in recent months. Members of the discussion panel were Lt. Col. Todd Pennington, with the Whiteman JAG office and Ann Beam, a military victim’s advocate and our own Professor

Proud L.A.E. Members Arrayed with their Trophies

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Benecia Carmack. These presentations attracted great attendance and numerous questions from the audience. Who says today’s students are not the type to get “involved’?

Alumni Corner:Where Are They Now?

Do you enjoy finding out what your classmates have been up too? So do we! As you look at the bios that follow, one thing earmarks each of them: Pride in what they do and pride in their alma mater. That pride is returned a thousand fold!

Ashley and Tim Couch (Class of 2010 & 2009)Sometimes alums come in pairs! Such was the case with Ashley and Tim Couch. Ashley graduated in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Right after she graduated, she accepted a job with the Public Interest Research Group. Because a transfer to Boston was in the offing, however, Ashley changed jobs and became a Care Manager for Stepping Stone, an independent living facility for teens. Because she liked working with teens so much, Ashley began work on a Master’s Degree in teaching. She is scheduled to complete her master’s degree in December.

As for Tim, he too graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice and he immediately went to work with the Warrensburg Fire Department. He is now employed as a firefighter at Lake City Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri.

And what did these two like MOST about their time here at UCM? Why the professors of course! Did you really need to ask?

Kathleen Brown (Class of 1985)From England to Thailand to Kansas to UCM? Yes, and that is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the places alum Kathleen Brown has been. As the daughter of an Airman, this is one lady who is not only used to change, but used to travel! Fortunately, she settled down long enough to get her law degree from Washburn University in 1988, and she has been helping those with legal problems ever since. Do not think that Kathleen does not know how to meet challenges face on. She has been an attorney for the Missouri Public Defender system since 1989 and she is currently the Assistant District Defender

of District 07 in Liberty, Missouri. Kathleen has tried over 40 jury trials thus far in her career. The charges ranged from misdemeanor driving while suspended to murder in the first degree. According to Kathleen, it only took 20 or so years to figure she needed a life outside of being a Public Defender and so she transferred to Liberty to fill the new position of Assistant District Defender. Hobbies now include going to Royals games, photography, cooking with friends, roadie work with friends’ band in Kansas City and travel when her work schedule allows. Oh, and did we mention that she is also on our Criminal Justice Department Advisory Board?

Brian Anderson (Class of 1995)Shortly after Brian graduated in 1995 he began his career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. His first road assignment was in Randolph and Monroe Counties. In 2002, Brian was promoted to the rank of corporal and was assigned to Macon and Shelby Counties. In 2003 he was

promoted to sergeant and served as zone commander. But that was just a brief stop on the way to yet another promotion. In 2008, Brian earned a promotion to lieutenant and was transferred to Troop A in Lee’s Summit. Again, however, this was only a temporary stop. In April of 2010, he transferred to his current assignment in Troop B, Macon, Missouri, where he is in charge of District 3 Operations.

Like all true professionals, Brian did not get where he is by doing “only” those things he was assigned. He also volunteered for numerous special assignments, one of which involved work with the Secret Service and the Air Force Special Investigations Unit to organize the protection detail for Vice-President Joe Biden during his visit to Whiteman AFB in 2009. With this kind of experience, he was a natural choice to be on the team that provided security for President Barack Obama.

But it hasn’t all been work. Brian has also made room for his personal life. He has been married for the past 13 years to the former Michele Kempker of Centralia, Missouri. Brian and Michele have two children, Brooklyn, age 8, and Skyler, age 4, and they make their home in Macon, Missouri. Brian says he has thoroughly enjoyed his career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and that he is thankful to UCM

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and the Criminal Justice Department for providing the solid educational base he needed to succeed.

Good luck Brian, and stay in touch!

Lt. Brian “Desh” Deshler (Class of 1981)If you can catch “Desh” during a serious moment (not easily done with his sense of humor), he might share a high point or two from his exemplary career.

According to “Desh,” as he is fondly known by many of his colleagues, shortly after beginning his academic career at UCM in 1977, he came to the realization that, he didn’t want to sit behind a desk for the rest of his life.

He took a couple of introductory CJ courses, and that is how it all started! Prior to his 1981 graduation, Desh took an internship at the Tan Tara Resort at the Lake of Ozarks. This led to a second summer job with the Osage Beach Police Department. After graduation, he returned to the Osage Beach Police Department and worked there for approximately two years until he was able to get on with the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 1983. Lt. Deshler’s career with the Highway Patrol began in Cameron, Missouri during which time he was promoted to Corporal (1992). In 1999, he was again promoted, this time to sergeant and he moved to St. Joseph, Missouri. Just three short years later he was promoted to Lieutenant and transferred to Troop A in Lee’s Summit. He relates several “high points” in his career: several drug interdiction arrests involving the seizure of both large quantities of drugs and cash; the apprehension of an armed subject who was suspected of having robbed several banks in the Kansas City area; and the investigation of a murder of a young girl and the subsequent arrest and conviction of the man who committed the crime. Additionally, Deshler served as the OIC of presidential visits involving President George W. Bush in 2003, and President Barack Obama during his visit to Warrensburg. Also, he has had the pleasure of meeting former President Bill Clinton and several current and past Cabinet Members, Senators, and Governors. Presently, Lt. Deshler and his wife, Nancy, reside in the Liberty, Missouri area with their three children.

As a final note, we cannot help but relate Desh’s comment that it was a proud moment for him to get

the list of those on the presidential security detail and note that nearly half of the names were UCM Criminal Justice graduates!

We say, “Thanks for sharing with us, Desh and thanks for all you do!”

Brian Owen Reeves (Class of 1994)Brian Owen Reeves has been investigating traffic accidents since 1994 when he started his career as a police officer with the Warrensburg Police Department. His career later took him to Springfield, Missouri, where his experiences quickly saw him rising through the ranks. In 2008 Brian was assigned to a traffic unit where his responsibilities were more centrally focused on traffic related activities. Since taking on the responsibilities of the specialized assignment Brian has taken on the added responsibility of being the lead investigator in more than fourteen fatal crashes. Prior to this specialized assignment, Brian had been a key member of a Driving While Intoxicated Enforcement Team. During this assignment, Brian received a Command Commendation for his performance, along with recognition by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Brian also earned accreditation from the Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction, and he now serves on the CTAR Governing Board of Directors. Given his expertise, it was not surprising that the UCM Safety Center called on one of its own to return to campus part-time and be a trainer for other traffic accident investigators. Hats off to another “mule” who is providing leadership in his chosen endeavor!

Mike Watson (Class of 1990)While Mike started out at the College of the Ozarks near Branson, Missouri, he later transferred to UCM to complete his degree in criminal justice in 1990. After a short stay as a deputy juvenile officer in Johnson County Missouri, he became a proud member of the Missouri

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State Highway Patrol. He was appointed to the Patrol in January 1992. Following training, he was assigned to Troop D in Jasper County where he worked the road for 16 years. For the past five years Mike has been assigned as one of two Public Information and Education Officers for Troop D, working out of the Troop D Service Center in Carthage. As a PIEO his duties include preparing and disseminating information concerning the Patrol to the public via the media, fielding questions from the public and the media on a variety of topics related to the Patrol and its mission, and providing educational programs throughout Troop D. Mike lives in Carthage with his wife Camron, daughter Katherine, and son Keegan.

Congratulations, Mike! You provide a wonderful example for UCM students.

Jessica Banes (Class of 2012)It is always nice to hear from alums fresh into the job market and anxious to make their mark on their chosen profession. Once such alum is Jessica Bane who recently wrote: “Hello Professors, I hope the new school year is off to a good start for all of you. I am writing you to thank you all for putting so much effort and time into teaching your courses. I had multiple classes with all of you, which I enjoyed and learned much more than I ever expected to. I am now a Correctional Officer for the Jackson County Department of Corrections in downtown Kansas City and am advancing quickly. Everyday I use concepts and methods that I learned from you in my four years at UCM. I am forever grateful to all of you because you have helped me earn a career I have always wanted and made me into a proper candidate for the job. Best wishes to all of you and have a wonderful semester.”

With such great wishes, how could we NOT have a wonderful semester???

Reddington Steps Down asMCA President

After four years as President of the Missouri Corrections Association, Dr. Fran Reddington is stepping down to spend more time on teaching and research. Asked what she considers her major accomplishments as President of MCA, Reddington identified student involvement, getting the Missouri Probation and Parole Officers Association to be involved with MCA, and rebuilding the fall conference into a well-attended event that included pertinent and outstanding workshops! As an example, this year’s conference title was “Crossroads in Corrections: The Road Less Traveled.” This year’s conference was attended by 37 students from 4 Universities: UCM, MWSU, Washburn U. and College of the Ozarks. There were 9 posters in the student poster session - all from UCM students. Dr. Reddington is rightly proud of her accomplishments as MCA President and UCM is very proud of her!

Joanne Kurt Hilditch, adjunct at UCM, will step into the president’s slot as the new year begins.

Wellman Joins Faculty The department welcomes Dr. Ashley Wellman with open arms! Dr. Wellman received her PhD. from the University of Florida in 2011 and she spent two years teaching criminal justice courses at Citadel. Her dissertation focused on the life experiences of cold case homicide survivors and

included in-depth interviews with unsolved murder victims’ family members. Several aspects of the study have been published in academic journals, while she continues to prepare other aspects of the research for publication. Dr. Wellman has already established herself as an interesting teacher and presenter. She gave the keynote speech for the “Take Back the

What’s New in Your Life?

Let us know.

We’d love to

celebrate with you!

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Night” event, which focused on sexual assault and domestic violence prevention. She has also been a guest speaker at the Warrensburg High School where she spoke on the prevention of dating violence. She was also a guest panelist on a UCM discussion panel which focused on bystander intervention in sexual assault cases. Her husband, Buddy, is the Enrollment Services Coordinator for the Harmon College of Business. And if you think this couple has not been busy since they came to campus, get this: They have a baby girl due in May 2014! We say “Welcome and good luck to Buddy and Ashley Wellman! It is great to have you two as part of the UCM Campus Community!”

Retirement Bash For Ms. M.!In the last issue of the Chronicle we bid a fond farewell to Barb “Babs” McNeel, who traded in her spurs for retirement! As part of the “adieu” the department threw a retirement party for Barb. As you might expect, it was well-attended to say the least. Among the numerous guests and well-wishers were a wide assortment

of students, alums, colleagues and admirers of all sorts. Guests included Marty and Gloria Kniffen, Dan and Michelle Schubert, Mark and Peggy Blumberg, Denny and Susan Langston, Ron Napier, Jivan Saran, Joe Vaughn, Jenn Ianno, Jessica Nelson, Barb Carder, Claude Jones and Rick Sluder, just to name a few. Miller and Laster were on hand to read letters of thanks and appreciation for Barb’s nearly 40 years of service. As is always the case with Barb, the event was also a family affair. So, husband Bruce; son Ron and his wife Angela and their son Chance; son James and his wife Hillary; Ken and Betsy Lange, cousins, and their grandson Aiden also joined the festivities.

WE ALL WISH BARB

THE VERY BEST AND

HOPE SHE STAYS IN TOUCH !

Students Hear from Media Panel

The Crime and Media Class at the UCM Summit Center in Lee’s Summit hosted a media panel discussion with local media personalities and news journalists on Thursday, Dec. 5. The purpose of the discussion was to allow students to hear from media experts and practitioners about how crime stories are reported, the community impact of the crime, reporting ethics, the media relationship with the criminal justice system, and insight into current and recent high-profile cases. Media representatives from KSHB TV-41, WDAF TV-4, KCTV-5, KMBC TV-9, The Kansas City Star, The Examiner Newspaper, The Lee’s Summit Journal, and Radio 980 KMBZ participated in the class taught by adjunct instructor, Tom Gentry, public information officer for the Independence Police Department.

Once again, the UCM Department of Criminal Justice is on the cutting edge. Professor Gentry’s course is well on its way to being a regular offering in the semesters ahead.

From left to right the panel members were: Brian Burns, Staff Writer, Kansas City Star (He is also author of the book “The Ike Files”); Tom Gentry Criminal Justice Department Adjunct Instructor and Public Information Officer for the Independence Police Department; Tim Holderby, Assignment Manager, KMBC TV-9; Clare Otto, Managing Editor, KCTV TV-5, Jeff Fox, Business Editor/Reporter, The Examiner, Steve Kaut, Assignment Editor, KSHB tv-41.

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Welcome Our New O.P.Meet and welcome Christy Mitchell! Christy graduated from State Fair C o m m u n i t y College in 2003 with an AAS degree in Office Administration. She worked in healthcare for 8 years before deciding to challenge herself

further. She started her new challenge with us in August 2013, and what a challenge and change it has proven to be. Christy reports that she is excited by the new things she is learning and the wonderful people she has met. More than a few of those people have already commented on how very helpful Christy has been on any number of projects. When she is not

“on the clock,” Christy enjoys spending time with her family which consists of her husband, Shane, and their 3 children, Robbie (15), Bailey (10), and Meaghan (2). Christy reports not having much free time beyond work and family, but when she does she likes to watch “rom-coms”, mysteries and even some action movies. Christy also likes to be outside (unless of course, it’s cold!!), cook and collect kitchen gadgets and appliances. She also confesses to keeping up on her weekly addiction to New Girl, The Voice and “. . . any other silly show with not much purpose other than to make me laugh.”

You would think the insanity on the third floor of Humphreys would be enough to keep Christy in stitches!

Criminal JusticeHumphreys 300Warrensburg, MO 64093-5085

ADDRESS SERviCE REquEStED

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDWarrensburg, MO

64093Permit No. 102

UCM Department of Criminal Justice300 Humphreys, University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, MO 64093Phone: 660-543-4950 Fax: 660-543-8306

Newsletter StaffMaisha Cooper, Editor mcooper@ucmo.edu

Marijana Kotlaja, Co-Editor kotlaja@ucmo.edu