Faculty/Staff
The College of Criminal Justice is lucky to have dedicated faculty and staff, many of whom have been here up to 40 years!President Dana Hoyt honored faculty and staff from the Criminal Justice Center for their longevity of service to Sam Houston State University during the Annual Meeting.
Topping the list were Distinguished Professor Larry Hoover with 40 years of service and Project Manager Jamie Tillerson with 35 years. Together they manage the Police Research Center, a dedicated group of researchers and technical experts who assist criminal justice agencies and emergency personnel with information management needs. Hoover also has been a faculty member at the College of Criminal Justice since 1977 and helped guide the Major Cities Initiative and other programs at the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT).
Serving SHSU for 25 years are Doris Powell, Graduate Advising Coordinator, and Cynthia Spencer of the University Hotel. Powell oversees students in the master’s and Ph.D. programs at the College, and Spencer is the lead custodian at the hotel.
Finally, Rita Watkins, Executive Director of LEMIT, was recognized for 20 years of service. Watkins has led the professional development program for law enforcement leaders in Texas since 2001 and previously served as the project coordinator for the institute’s premiere program, the Leadership Command College. Before joining LEMIT, Watkins worked in the criminal justice field as a juvenile probation officer and a police officer for the College Station Police Department and the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, where she ended her tenure as Chief Deputy.