2025 Executive Board Candidates

James Hawdon
Virginia Tech

Personal Statement It is an honor to run for the 2^nd Vice President position of the Southern Criminal Justice Association.  I have been deeply impressed with the organization since I first began attending meetings many years ago.  If elected, I would work closely with soon-to-be President Thomas and 1^st Vice President Stickle to continue the wonderful traditions of SCJA while simultaneously exploring new possibilities for growth.  In my opinion, one of the most important SCJA traditions is the outstanding support the organization provides for students.  I am amazed at the commitment SCJA has to its student members, and I would work hard to continue the many ways the organization supports them, including encouraging student involvement in the organization, offering mentoring sessions at the annual conference, recognizing their excellence with the Outstanding Graduate Student Award and the Tom Barker Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award, and providing stipends to help cover the costs of attending the annual conference. I would like to see this tradition continued and even strengthened by exploring possibilities for additional workshops and stipends. 

A second tradition of SCJA that I would work diligently to maintain is the excellence of the annual conference. I am always impressed with the variety and quality of papers and posters at the conference, and I am even more impressed with the insightful questions and robust discussions during the Q&A sessions.  The quality of our sessions is obviously a testimony to the eminence of our members, and I would work hard to try to expand our membership by supporting the membership committee’s efforts to recruit more members from institutions in our region that have relatively low participation rates, attract more practitioners, and encourage additional student involvement. 

The third wonderful SCJA tradition I would work hard to support and advance is to maintain the prominence of our outstanding journal, The American Journal of Criminal Justice.  The ascendance of AJCJ to being a leading journal in the field has been truly remarkable, and I vow to support Editor Barnes and the editorial team in their tireless efforts to continue publishing high-quality research.  I believe with additional support AJCJ can continue its reputation as a leading journal of criminal justice.

If given the opportunity, it would be my honor to continue my service to SCJA.  Over the years, I have worked behind the scenes to perform the annual audit.  I also served as an Executive Board Member from 2019 to 2022.  I served as an editorial board member of The American Journal of Criminal Justice from 2017 to 2019, and I was an Associate Editor of AJCJ from 2020 – 2024. If given this opportunity, I will work with the board to maintain and even strengthen the practices and traditions that make SCJA the best professional organization around.   

Biographical Sketch James Hawdon is a professor of sociology and Director of the Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention at Virginia Tech.  After receiving his doctorate from the University of Virginia, he spent 12 years at Clemson University as a professor, Director of Graduate Studies, and Director of the Survey Research Lab.  He came to Virginia Tech in 2004, and he began directing the center in 2011. 

His research focuses on how communities influence violence.  He has published extensively in the areas of online hate and extremism, communities and violence, responses to mass violence, the sociology of policing, and the sociology of drugs.  His recent publications include his co-authored book Research Handbook on Hate and Hate Crime in Society.  He is currently co-authoring books on cybercrime and online hate. He has won numerous awards for his research and teaching, including the 2024 Virginia Association of Criminal Justice Educators Safe Society Leadership Award, the 2023 Virginia Tech Alumni Award for Excellence in International Research, and a 2023 Fulbright Scholar Award.  He is an inductee of Virginia Techs Academy of Faculty Service, and he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Turku in Finland in 2022.

Kevin Buckler
University of Houston-Downtown

Personal Statement I am writing to express my interest in serving as Director-at-Large for the Southern Criminal Justice Association (SCJA). As a seasoned academic leader and scholar in criminal justice, I bring a sustained commitment to service, governance, and strategic development in higher education and professional organizations. With over two decades of experience in faculty and administrative roles, and a demonstrated record of leadership at the departmental, college, and university levels, I am well-prepared to contribute to SCJA’s mission and help guide its policy and organizational priorities over the next three years.

My dedication to service is evidenced by a robust record of committee leadership and institutional governance. At the University of Houston–Downtown, I have served as Department Chair, Faculty Senator, Chair of the Chairs’ Council, and a Faculty Senate Executive Committee and Academic Affairs Committee member. These roles have involved high-level decision-making, policy development, and cross-unit collaboration to promote shared governance and academic excellence. I have chaired numerous search committees, curriculum teams, and faculty development initiatives at both the college and department levels, demonstrating an ability to lead diverse groups toward consensus and strategic outcomes.

Within professional organizations, I have actively contributed to the SCJA community. Most recently, I served on the SCJA Student Awards Committee and led the 2023 Tellers Committee in certifying and reporting election results. I have presented at numerous SCJA annual meetings and deeply value the Association’s role in fostering scholarly exchange, mentoring, and regional collaboration. I also bring editorial experience as the current editor of the Journal of Qualitative Criminal Justice and Criminology and former editor of the Journal of Criminal Justice and Law, roles that have broadened my perspective on research quality, academic publishing, and the evolving priorities of our field.

If elected as a Director-at-Large, I will approach the role with energy, integrity, and an inclusive mindset. I am particularly interested in supporting initiatives that enhance graduate student engagement, promote interdisciplinary dialogue, and broaden diversity within the Association’s leadership and membership. I am also committed to participating in discussions on conference programming, member services, and SCJA’s responsiveness to the evolving landscape of criminal justice education and practice.

I understand the responsibilities associated with the Director-at-Large position, including regular attendance at mid-year and annual meetings and leading a standing committee. I view this as an opportunity to actively support the day-to-day operations of the Association while contributing to its long-term vision and strategic direction. In closing, I would be honored to serve as Director-at-Large and contribute meaningfully to SCJA’s continued growth and success. I thank you for your time and consideration, and I welcome the opportunity to support our Association’s mission and the vibrant community of scholars, educators, and practitioners that it serves.  

Biographical Sketch Dr. Kevin Buckler is Professor and Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work at the University of Houston–Downtown. He holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati and brings over 20 years of experience in higher education, with prior appointments at Prairie View A&M University, the University of Texas at Brownsville, and Georgia Southern University.

Dr. Buckler has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications on media and crime, U.S. Supreme Court decisions, perceptions of injustice, and qualitative research methods. He serves as editor of the Journal of Qualitative Criminal Justice and Criminology.

Outside academia, Dr. Buckler actively contributes to public scholarship. He has provided expert commentary to outlets such as the Houston Chronicle and Texas Tribune and has testified before legislative bodies on criminal justice reform. He recently collaborated with the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office on projects involving racial profiling investigation and public education on crime statistics. As an educator and mentor, he has supervised numerous theses and dissertations and is deeply engaged in curriculum development and academic service. Dr. Buckler is committed to advancing research, public engagement, and policy impact in criminal justice.

McKenzie L. Jossie
Louisiana State University

Personal Statement Since attending my first SCJA conference as a graduate student, I have developed a deep appreciation for the association and its commitment to supporting students, practitioners, faculty, and communities. Over the past eight years, I’ve participated in various panels and events that have significantly shaped my academic career. I am proud to promote SCJA and now bring my graduate students to the conference. My desire to serve this organization has grown through my involvement as chair of several award committees and my current role on the Records and Communications Committee. These experiences have deepened my commitment to SCJA’s mission and values. I am running for Director-at-Large to give back to an association that has provided me with invaluable opportunities related to research, professional development, networking, and mentorship. If elected, I will work to strengthen SCJA’s regional and national presence by collaborating with current members, recruiting new members, and expanding professional growth opportunities for students, practitioners, and junior scholars. I am also committed to supporting and advancing our association’s top-tier journal. SCJA has been instrumental in my professional journey, and I am eager to continue contributing to the great work of this storied association. I humbly request your vote for Director-at-Large.

Biographical Sketch McKenzie L. Jossie earned her B.S. in Psychology, Spanish, and Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, M.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of North Florida, and Ph.D. in Criminology, Law, and Society from the University of Florida. She is currently an Assistant Professor at LSU in Baton Rouge, LA. Her primary research areas include corrections, collateral consequences of justice system involvement, program evaluation, and criminal justice policy. Her recent works have been published in American Journal of Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice and Behavior, Victims & Offenders, and Journal of Criminal Justice Education. McKenzie has been an active member in SCJA since graduate school (2018) and she supports the American Journal of Criminal Justice as a member of the editorial board and reviewer. She is the recipient of SCJA’s Outstanding Student Poster Award, Outstanding Doctoral Student Award, and Student Travel Award.

John Mayer
Blue Mountain Christian University

Personal Statement I see the position of Director-At-Large as an opportunity to serve my follow criminologist and help guide policies and programs for the SCJA. In particular, ones that can benefit members from both large and small intuitions as well as those from the industry and law enforcement. I believe good communication among members is critical for an organization to best serve its needs. In the capacity of Director-At-Large I would strive to keep these lines open and listen to the members and bring concerns and ideas back to the board. In addition, I was a career law enforcement official and therefore may be able to bring a different perspective to various ideas and programs.

Biographical Sketch Professor Mayer is the current Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for Criminal Justice at Blue Mountain Christian University in Blue Mountain, Mississippi. He holds graduate degrees in both Criminal Justice and Psychology. Before academia, he worked 29 years in law enforcement retiring as a Supervisory Special Agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He held supervisor positions in Huntsville, AL, Quantico, VA. and at FBI Headquarters.  As a collateral position, he served on the FBI Director’s Mid-Management Council executive board. Before his career with the FBI, he worked as a deputy sheriff in TN. He currently holds memberships with SCJA, the American Society of Criminology and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. He is married with two grown children. He enjoys martial arts and shelter dogs.

Tasha Youstin
Western Carolina University

Personal Statement I am excited to be nominated for the role of Director at Large for the Southern Criminal Justice Association. As I have been attending SCJA conferences for well over a decade, I would consider myself to be a “long-time lingerer, first-time nominee.”😊 I have had the opportunity to serve on various committees for our organization in the past, and would really like the opportunity to continue that service at a higher level.

I hope that those of you who already know me believe me to be a great candidate for this position. But, for those of you who do not know me, here are a few reasons why I hope you will consider voting for me. I have experience in leadership roles with other academic organizations. I have served as the chair of the membership committee for ACJS, and I have also served for many years in the North Carolina Criminal Justice Association, including two years as President, and I currently serve as Co-Treasurer. I understand the responsibilities that come with higher level service, and I am fully prepared to make that commitment. I addition to my prior experience, I am a millennial and a middle-child, so I am used to doing things for other people with a smile on my face.  In all seriousness, I have always been the type of person who enjoys helping out wherever I can, and I believe that many hands make light work. Regardless of the task I am responsible for, I try to do the best job that I can. Ultimately, I believe our organization offers incredible value to our members and the larger field of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and I want to do whatever I can to facilitate its continued success. I recently became a lifetime member of SCJA because I see myself being an active and engaged participant for many years to come, and I hope that stepping into this leadership role would allow me the chance to contribute in new ways. It would be a privilege to be selected as a Director at Large for SCJA, and as such, I would perform my duties with integrity, respect, and kindness – attributes I have always seen at the core of our membership.

Biographical Sketch Tasha Youstin, PhD is an Associate Professor at Western Carolina University. She is currently the Assistant Department Head for the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice and is the Director of the Administration of Justice online undergraduate program at WCU. She completed her undergraduate degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida Atlantic University, her MA at the University of Florida, and her PhD at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She has published research on a variety of topics in journals such as Criminal Justice and Behavior, Crime and Delinquency, and Victims and Offenders. Her current interests focus on victimization, particularly sexual victimization, and mental health issues within the criminal justice system. Tasha served as President of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Association from 2020 – 2022 and currently serves as Co-Treasurer for the organization.