Criminology students, faculty bring home awards

Faculty and doctoral students in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at ASU have won an array of national awards in recognition of outstanding contributions to criminal justice from The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS).

Scott Decker, nationally renowned criminologist and director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, received the prestigious Bruce Smith Sr. award and was chosen to give the annual keynote address. The Bruce Smith Sr. Award recognizes a person who has been actively involved in criminal justice research and has made substantial contributions to the emerging body of knowledge in criminal justice. It is given to a person who demonstrates leadership in the administration of criminal justice as an academic and/or professional discipline in a manner which reflects the highest standards of integrity and performance.

"I am honored to receive the Bruce Smith Award," Decker said. "It is recognition for the hard work of all the faculty and staff at ASU. I have been fortunate to have good colleagues throughout my career."

Under the direction of Decker, the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice was ranked No. 12 among national criminology programs in 2009 by U.S. News & World Report. Decker's innovative leadership and expertise has attracted the nation’s finest students and scholars to study and teach at ASU.

Two of the school's top doctoral students, Scott Wolfe and David Pyrooz, received the William L. Simon/Anderson Publishing award for their outstanding work on a paper, which will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

“We examined the impact of Wal-Mart’s entrance into U.S. counties during the 1990’s on poverty and violent crime at the beginning of the 21st century,” said Wolfe and Pyrooz.

Nancy Rodriguez, associate professor, also was recognized for chairing the ACJS membership committee. Rodriguez's research interests include sentencing policies, juvenile court processes and substance abuse. She also conducts research in the area of restorative justice.

The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences is an international association established in 1963 to foster professional and scholarly activities in the field of criminal justice. Its award ceremony was hosted in Toronto, Canada and drew members from a variety of diverse backgrounds.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamillah Anderson
(602) 496-2358
jamillah.anderson@asu.edu