Tom's Brief Bio

Tom's Brief Bio

Originally from northwest Louisiana, I grew up in the area around Red Chute, Doyline, and Lake Bistineau (places that I'm sure everyone has heard of). I graduated from Doyline High School and Louisiana State University in Shreveport with a Bachelor of Criminal Justice. I worked in Loss Prevention for Sears and Roebuck for a year then hired on with the Shreveport, Louisiana Police Department. I stayed with Shreveport for two years where I became a field training officer.

In 1991, I left Shreveport P.D. to accept a University Fellowship from The Florida State University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (go 'Noles!). At FSU, I received the Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice in 1993 and completed my Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice in December 1998. I was a founding faculty member at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida where I helped develop a new Bachelors of Science degree in criminal justice. In 2002, we had the opportunity to move to Texarkana to be closer to family (but we still miss our favorite beach!).

My primary area of scholarly interest is policing, evaluation of criminal justice programs and policies, and criminal justice education. (If you're really interested in my research, you can take a peek at my vita by clicking the link on my home page.)

When not working, ... I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and animals. As a Christian, I am involved with my local church. I also enjoy reading when I make the time. Growing up in Louisiana ("The Sportsman's Paradise"), I love fishing and hunting and being in the outdoors and I like to garden. Since entering academia, I mostly just wish that I had time to go fishing! I continue to be on the lookout for fishing and hunting partners who will occasionally unchain me from my desk and drag me to the lake or woods.

I hope you will take the time to come by my office. I particularly enjoy my time with students and would be happy to discuss your academic and career goals.