Dr. Marijana Kotlaja and her graduate assistant co-writers, Michaela Goldsmith and Alexandria Dool, are set to release the second newsletter for the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice next week. Here is a sneak peek at one of the entries:
JUDGE DAVID RUSH
Honorable Judge David Rush has been a dear friend and guest speaker for the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Judge Rush visited in-person classes before COVID-19, spoke with students about the criminal justice system, and advised many about career paths available in the field. The editorial team’s interview with Judge Rush revealed his profound passion for his current role as Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court.
Judge Rush has had an extensive background in the criminal justice system, which has been guided by his lifelong desire to be a pillar of public service. After law school, Judge Rush served as a Greene County assistant prosecutor for major felony offenses, a federal prosecutor at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and took the bench in 2012 in the Western District of Missouri. Outside of his current role, Judge Rush volunteers his time and is an active force for improving the reentry court. Something Judge Rush noted about the reentry court is that not every district has one because all the positions are filled by volunteers. Judge Rush believes reentry court can be beneficial for those wanting to work toward a better life after incarceration, specifically those who have struggled with crime and addiction.
Judge Rush’s advice to students is not to be discouraged when pursuing your goals and learning, and if you want to be a part of something in society or make it better – just go for it. Judge Rush further emphasized that though this field may be challenging, it is undoubtedly rewarding to give back to and serve others.