Each year, six faculty members from across campus receive recognition through the Missouri State University Foundation Awards for Excellence. Two of the awards this year went to Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice faculty members:

• Dr. Aida Hass was honored with a Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching. During her career at MSU, Aida has designed 21 unique courses covering a diverse range of topics , such as criminal psychology, ethics, media and crime, juvenile delinquency, victimology, and prison life. She also has served as a capstone project, thesis, and practicum mentor to well over 100 students. In the classroom, she is well-known for an engaging and stimulating teaching style that both captivates students and cultivates their dedication to learning. By chairing the diversity studies committee for many years and advising for the diversity studies minor, Aida has been instrumental in uplifting diversity-based curricula at MSU.
• Dr. Bill Sandel received a Foundation Award for Excellence in Service. Arriving in fall 2019, Bill quickly emerged as a leader in building partnerships that strengthen communities at local, state, and national levels. He recently facilitated a cooperative agreement among MSU, the Missouri Department of Public Safety, and the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center that will enable free active-shooter training to law enforcement officers across Missouri. In addition Dr. Sandel has built important partnerships with the Springfield Police Department for utilizing virtual reality training, serves on an FBI workgroup, assists local communities in crime prevention, and leads study away trips for students.

Both Aida and Bill were recognized in front of the MSU Board of Governors for their tremendous accomplishments on May 18th. We are thankful to have such wonderful faculty members in our department.