Paula Rector

Instructor, Criminology Department

“Harmony House”

Combining personal and professional passions has had unexpected but positive outcomes for Paula Rector. Passionate about helping victims of family and relationship violence, Paula says it’s a true privilege to be able to apply her academic knowledge to help impact a community issue and organization, such as Harmony House.  Harmony House plays a vital role in Springfield and surrounding area by providing shelter, advocacy and education to survivors of domestic violence.

She assists in a number of roles including chairing the Executive Committee, serving on the Board of Directors and leading the Programs/Shelter subcommittees. Whether she’s teaching or developing safety educational programs, creating new community partnerships or negotiating a $5 million capital campaign, Paula’s focus remains on ensuring the needs for the 110 women and children that seek nightly shelter at Harmony House.

Paula states that one of the unexpected, but most enjoyable outcomes of her community service is its impact on her teaching and her students. Many of her students are taking action to help address the domestic violence issues of the community through volunteerism, internships and service learning opportunities.

For Paula’s commitment of time and ethical leadership to Harmony House and for fostering the growth of a responsible community we are proud to recognize Paula Rector as our Public Affairs Faculty Spotlight!