University of Indianapolis Criminal Justice Faculty

Areas of Expertise

Corrections, program evaluation

Background

Before coming to UIndy, worked for five years as the Administrator of Research for the Salvation Army Correctional Services Program in Chicago, IL. Has published articles on an array of criminal justice topics and the book Drug Court Justice (Peter Lang Publishing, 2008).

Research Interests

metal theft, corrections, crime in Belize

Education

• PhD, Criminal Justice, Indiana University
• MS, Criminal Justice, University of North Carolina
• BA, Public Policy Analysis, University of North Carolina

Fun facts

We have backyard chickens.

Favorite thing about UIndy

Including students in real world applied research projects.

Areas of Expertise

Law enforcement operations and organizational dynamics, crime prevention, police - community relations

Background

Twenty-three years of service with the Lafayette (IN) Police Department, retired as a Captain (Division Commander). Assignments in all three major organizational divisions (Investigations, Patrol Operations, Support Services). Earned certification as a Law Enforcement Master Instructor, the highest instructor level offered by the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board (ILETB).

Research Interests

Human relations in criminal justice organizations, police officer stress and job satisfaction, leadership theory, and, crime prevention, particularly as a foundation for community partnerships.

Education

• PhD, Purdue University, 2016
• MS, Purdue University, 2011
• MS, Indiana State University, 1999
• BS, University of Iowa, 1987

Fun facts

I met my spouse at a crime scene (I was the first responding police officer and she was an animal control officer).

Favorite thing about UIndy

The opportunity for experiential learning.

Area of Expertise

Crime scene investigation, forensic analysis, and criminal investigations

Background

Professor Kerria Carter brings over 17 years of experience in the field of Criminal Justice. Her professional background includes extensive work in identity theft, wrongful death claims, fraud, and security breach investigations with the Indiana Attorney General’s Office. She currently serves as a Deputy Coroner and Certified Medicolegal Death Investigator, Professor Carter attended the Indiana State Police Academy for advanced investigator and CSI training.

Education

• MSEd, Education, Purdue University
• BS, Criminal Justice, University of Indianapolis

Areas of Expertise

interpersonal relationships, public policy, social norms, civility, law and society

Background

Has conducted public policy analysis of legislation affecting employment and labor; conducted conflict resolution through mediation and negotiation; and managed and participated in the development, construction and formal approval of administrative rules to implement the state's expanded anti-housing discrimination law. Practices law mostly in federal courts and teaches sociology and criminal justice courses through the integration of applied life experiences.

Research Interests

the impact of school vouchers and charter schools on traditional public schools and the quality of education; globalization and social policy; another approach to the study and solution of racial and ethnic relations problems

Education

• JD, Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis
• MS, Sociology, Purdue University

Fun facts

As a young child, I was fascinated by what I observed about everyday people; I still am. I also enjoy cultivating and developing a butterfly garden.

Favorite thing about UIndy

UIndy, while maintaining its connection to its historical religious core, has reached out to welcome and embrace the world at large with all of its diversity with the simple tenet of "education for service."

Dr. Holly Sims-Bruno earned her Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice From Eastern Kentucky University and her PhD in Criminal Justice from Indiana University in Bloomington. Research interests include race, racial etiquette, the experience of incarceration in the U.S., and Crim Theory.  Most recent and upcoming publication is a book chapter, “The White Racialized Center of Criminology,” in, Abolish Criminology, scheduled for publication in Spring of 2023.

Dr. Sims-Bruno teaches Trends in Corrections in the Department of Criminal Justice.

Robert Bowling has twenty years of law enforcement experience with Durham (NC) and Fishers (IN) police departments. He has served in a variety of roles to include field training officer, accident reconstructionist, hostage negotiator, honor guard coordinator, crisis intervention officer, and forensic technician. He currently serves as an Ambassador for the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). He is a public safety writer for Officer Magazine and the Journal of School Safety with a focus on law enforcement history and school safety/active shooter training.

Brandon Pate served in law enforcement for 16 years and holds the rank of Lieutenant. Lieutenant Pate started his career with the Johnson County Sheriff's office as a jail officer before becoming a merit deputy. In 2015, Lt. Pate joined the University of Indianapolis Police Department and serves as the operations supervisor. He has served on several specialty units including SWAT, Motorcycle, SCUBA, Accident Recon, Evidence Tech, Investigations, Honor Guard, and is a Law Enforcement Master Instructor. Lt. Pate is a graduate of the University of Indianapolis with an undergraduate degree in Emergency Management and a graduate degree in Strategic Leadership and Design. 

Lt. Pate teaches Criminal Evidence in the Department of Criminal Justice.

Maranda Williams is the Indiana State Organizer for REFORM Alliance. Prior to her work at REFORM, she worked at the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) for over sixteen years. Maranda held positions in case management focusing on appropriate case planning, re-entry efforts for long term individuals, and implementing evidence-based practices within IDOC policies. Maranda led efforts as the Director of Transitional Healthcare to establish the first Transitional Healthcare team within a prison system focusing on the prevention of justice responses to social determinants of health. She supervised the operations of the Indiana Women’s Prison nursery, redesigning policies and improving maternal healthcare outcomes for pregnant women entering and exiting IDOC. She is an avid runner and resides in Indianapolis with her daughter, Myla, and her pug Tank.

Ms. Williams teaches Custody and Treatment in the Department of Criminal Justice.