He was 16 when he left home, recruited to the United States to play baseball and pursue an education. It meant leaving behind family, familiarity and everything he had ever known.

In a new country, baseball was his one constant.

It became his balance, carrying him through the early years of adjustment 鈥� learning a new environment, building a new routine and figuring out life away from home. But Cano understood this was more than a chance to play college baseball in the United States. It was an opportunity to earn a degree.

Cano is graduating with a degree in criminal justice, a career path he plans to pursue when his playing days are over.

鈥淚 know there will be life after baseball,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he reason I chose criminal justice is I鈥檝e always been fascinated with how law and the process of law works. And I have a lot of respect for law enforcement and what they do.鈥�

Baseball opened the door for Cano, but his education will carry him forward long after his playing days.

鈥淚 always know baseball isn鈥檛 going to be everything,鈥� Cano said. 鈥淚 came to the United States when I was 16 because of baseball, and I鈥檓 still doing what I love. But the reality is, if I would鈥檝e stayed in Colombia, this probably wouldn鈥檛 have happened.鈥�

Cano came to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as a transfer student-athlete from Western Oklahoma State University. As a Trojan, he鈥檚 continuing to build on the foundation he laid for himself since he began playing the sport. Since his arrival in the U.S., he鈥檚 spent time learning how to adjust to the changes. But baseball was familiar and kept him focused. Over the past two seasons, he has become a steady presence for the Trojans, taking on a larger role in 2025 despite missing time due to injury. This season, he鈥檚 playing a major role, hitting .321 with 52 hits and seven home runs across 42 games, providing a reliable, steady presence in the middle of the lineup while anchoring first base with a .985 fielding percentage.

That steadiness, he said, didn鈥檛 come from avoiding challenges, but from learning how to move through them. Moving away from his native country at 16 forced him to grow up quickly.

鈥淭he biggest challenge was being away from home,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 had to grow up real fast. Colombia is a developing country, so coming here and seeing all of this 鈥� it鈥檚 a dream for a lot of people. As long as you put in the work, it鈥檚 a dream that could last forever.鈥�

Over time, that perspective shaped how he approaches everything around him. Baseball, school, and daily life all require the same mindset: adjust, reset, and keep moving forward.

鈥淚鈥檓 a baseball player, and that鈥檚 my mindset in class,鈥� Cano said. 鈥淚 view everything as a challenge that I have to solve.鈥�

Baseball, he said, has shaped how he handles challenges when they come.

鈥淏aseball taught me endurance and patience with challenges,鈥� Cano said. 鈥淚f I鈥檓 struggling with an assignment, I have to figure out the best way to get out of it. It made me a critical thinker.鈥�

That鈥檚 also how Cano views leadership: not in speeches or titles, but in how a team responds when things don鈥檛 go perfectly.

鈥淓veryone will have a bad day, and it鈥檚 up to your team to pick you up when you do,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he team is most successful when everyone can step up for each other.鈥�

During the thrilling 2025 NCAA Baton Rouge Regional, Cano put together the best stretch of his college career. Over five games, he had 10 hits, four home runs, and drove in 15 runs, earning Most Valuable Player honors. He homered in three straight games, including a two-run shot in the second inning against host and top-ranked LSU that helped spark Little Rock鈥檚 regional semifinal win. That swing later earned Play of the Year at the Trojan TOP Awards, where Cano was also named Baseball MVP.

As graduation approaches, Cano said he is aware of how far he has come 鈥� and how many people back home are part of that journey with him.

鈥淭his is the dream,鈥� he said. 鈥淣o matter why you鈥檙e here, this is the dream 鈥� to do it in the United States.鈥�

For him, that dream has meant responsibility, change, and growth, but also gratitude.

鈥淚t鈥檚 cool for the experience of another country and the environment,鈥� Cano said. 鈥淏ut you still have to take care of school. It鈥檚 why you鈥檙e here. For my family and friends back home, this is everything to them for me to be doing this, and I don鈥檛 take it for granted.鈥�

The post Angel Cano Turned Opportunity into a College Degree at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock appeared first on News.

The Little Rock native will graduate in May with a double major in general biology and law enforcement 鈥� bringing together her interests in health care and public service.

Ward has long been passionate about helping others, developing an early interest in the medical field, especially working with children. She describes herself as compassionate and nurturing, with a strong desire to help heal others. Her interest in law enforcement emerged later, during her sophomore year of college.

鈥淢y parents worked in law enforcement for more than 50 years combined,鈥� Ward said. 鈥淚 was fascinated by their work and wanted to learn more on my own, so I took the initiative to enroll in criminal justice classes.鈥�

Ward enjoys studying the law and has also explored an interest in forensic science. As she continued her coursework, she pursued an associate degree in law enforcement.

She chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because of its proximity to home and strong scholarship opportunities.

鈥淏eing able to receive 50% off tuition for the first two years of college was a blessing,鈥� Ward said. 鈥淔or the past four years, I haven鈥檛 had to pay out of pocket for tuition, thanks to my scholarships and, most of all, God.鈥�

The university also holds personal significance for her, as both of her parents are alumni.

On campus, Ward has been actively involved in a variety of organizations, including serving as the Trojan Food Pantry coordinator and as a member of the Chancellor鈥檚 Leadership Corps, Student Activities Board, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the Black Scholars Collective.

鈥淭aylor has been a great asset to us in the office, for the Trojan Food Pantry and CLC,鈥� said Teresa Esparza, a student success coach at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淪he has always embraced what鈥檚 asked of her, whether it鈥檚 representing the pantry and the university at the Arkansas College Hunger Summit, appearing on THV11, or supporting CLC initiatives. She has remained engaged in the program while managing her academics and other extracurricular activities. I have no doubt her ambitious attitude will lead her to great things.鈥�

Ward offers this advice to future 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students:

鈥淐ollege isn鈥檛 easy. If it were, everyone would have degrees. It takes sacrifice, time, consistency, and hard work. This is a time to learn who you are and work toward who you want to become. Make mistakes and learn from them, but be wise in your choices. Stay disciplined and keep working toward your goals. Most importantly, enjoy every part of college. The four years go by quickly, but the experiences are worth it.鈥�

After graduating, Ward plans to apply to a physical therapy program.

The post Purpose in Action: Taylor Ward Prepares for a Career Helping Others appeared first on News.

These rankings highlight 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible education to students nationwide.

鈥淭his ranking underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality online graduate education that鈥檚 both accessible and career-relevant,鈥� said Dr. Elizabeth Pierce, associate professor and chair of the Department of Information Science. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to represent Arkansas with a program that competes nationally, giving students in Little Rock and worldwide the skills they can apply immediately in the workplace and the foundation for long-term growth.鈥�

The information technology ranking assesses online master鈥檚 degree programs in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information systems, and information technology. For 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, this ranking includes the online Master of Science in information quality and Master of Science in information science programs. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has earned a spot on the list for the past four years.

The online master鈥檚 degree in information quality is a 33-hour program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program is designed to prepare students for industry and government careers as well as advanced doctoral studies. Developed with support from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Information Quality Program, the curriculum balances information quality theory with industry best practices using state-of-the-art technology.

The online master鈥檚 degree in information science is a 33-hour program designed to familiarize individuals with the advanced knowledge, skills, and technologies for working with large amounts of complex data. Students learn how to compete in an industry with an ever-present demand for new innovations in data science and analytics, advanced information systems design and development, and emerging information technologies. Both degrees serve as a stepping stone for other advanced graduate degrees, such as 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Ph.D. in computer and information science.

The School of Criminal Justice and Criminology (SCJC) offers an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice that equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to excel as practitioners and supervisors in the criminal justice system.

SCJC has also been ranked 89th out of 683 colleges in the U.S. for criminal justice programs by Niche, placing it in the top 13% nationwide.

U.S. News & World Report evaluates programs based on data from institutional surveys and peer assessments. Rankings are determined by performance across five categories: student engagement, services and technologies, student excellence, faculty credentials and training, and expert opinions.

You can find out more about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 varied online education opportunities at .

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Carr, a Paragould native, is a double major in political science and criminal justice and a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. This summer, he interned in the Little Rock office of , R-Ark., where he spent five weeks assisting with constituent services, writing letters, answering phone calls, and attending meetings with local leaders. He also accompanied staff members to community events across the state.

鈥淚 spent half of my time in the office and half of it out,鈥� Carr said. 鈥淚 would answer questions for constituents, help with casework, and go to meetings with mayors, state representatives, and different interest groups. My favorite part was meeting with members of the community and seeing the impact it makes. You don鈥檛 think about politicians going out and meeting with groups like Arkansas Disability Rights and hearing what their thoughts are on bills. Being able to help members of the community be heard was really meaningful.鈥�

Carr said attending the was one of his most memorable moments. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Division of Rural Services, and the Arkansas Rural Development Commission host this conference so people can learn about programs and services available to assist rural communities and their leaders with development, planning, and revitalization efforts.

鈥淚t was my second day on the job, and I had a VIP lanyard,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t felt pretty special as an intern. I shadowed our field representative and took notes on the event.鈥�

The internship gave Carr practical insight into how government functions at the local, state, and federal levels.

鈥淚鈥檝e learned how to interact with members of the community,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to serve the public, and this showed me how the public鈥檚 needs can be addressed by different levels of government. We鈥檝e studied it in class but seeing it in action was really cool.鈥�

Following his internship, Carr traveled abroad for a four-week summer program at the , where he studied international relations and comparative criminal justice.

鈥淚t was interesting to see international relations taught from a European perspective,鈥� Carr said. 鈥淚t helped me to think creatively and critically and to consider things from a different point of view. Meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds was also helpful. I got over my culture shock pretty fast, and it was amazing to build friendships with people from around the world.鈥�

Carr鈥檚 time abroad included field trips to St. Andrews, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, as well as a tour of a decommissioned nuclear bunker. He also went hiking in the mountains around Stirling and sampled traditional Scottish dishes.

鈥淚 really enjoyed haggis and fish and chips,鈥� Carr said. 鈥淢y professor would teach us a Scottish word of the day, which was fun. Their accent changes a lot depending on where you are in Scotland, and it was interesting to hear how much of the Scots language is still part of everyday life.鈥�

Carr credits the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program for supporting him throughout the process.

鈥淭he Donaghey Scholars program was a huge help in all of this,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey helped me plan and get into the study abroad program, and they also provided a recommendation for my internship. They made both of these amazing opportunities possible.鈥�

Carr, who plans to graduate in May 2027, hopes to pursue a career working in policy or political campaigns.

鈥淭his summer showed me that I鈥檓 on the right path,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to keep serving the public and making sure people鈥檚 voices are heard.鈥�

The post Braden Carr Builds Skills Through Summer Internship and Study Abroad in Scotland appeared first on News.

Originally from Glenwood, Arkansas, Angeles decided to go to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock after hearing so many great things about it. 

鈥淚 had heard so many great things about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, especially concerning their criminal justice and English programs,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 had a few friends and teachers that had attended 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and they had nothing but great things to say about the university.鈥�

During her time here, Angeles was involved in a variety of student organizations. She was a writer for the student newspaper, The Forum. She served as communications director for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) from 2023-2024 and was vice president from 2024-2025. Angeles was also a senator for the Student Government Association (SGA), and public relations manager for the Model Arab League for the 2024-2025 school year. 

Her favorite memory on campus was the Late Night Pancake dinners, where she could spend time with friends, play games, and have fun with other students. 

鈥淢y friends and I would go and have such a great time eating breakfast food for dinner, playing the numerous games they had in the cafeteria, participating in the raffles, and getting up to dance with the rest of the students,鈥� she said. 

Numerous events on campus helped her learn more about the field and prepare her for her future endeavors. 

鈥淭he Criminal Justice program had numerous events where police officers, lawyers, and judges would come visit the university and chat with the students,鈥� Angeles said. 鈥淎dditionally, LULAC held several professional mixers that allowed us to hear from and connect with professionals around the area.鈥� 

She was also an intern at Braddock Avenue Books and works at the Communications Skill Center. 

鈥淭hese were such great places to work at,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 think both of these places showed me valuable skills that will help me in my future career.鈥� 

Angeles is grateful for multiple professors who helped her along her educational journey. 

鈥淚 am forever indebted to Professor Jeffrey Condran, Dr. Angela Hunter, Professor Heather Hummel, Dr. Kris McAbee, Dr. Rebecca Glazier, and Dean Richard Harper,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey have truly made my years at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock an unforgettable experience. They have helped me and guided me throughout my four years here, and I am eternally grateful to them.鈥�

After graduating, she plans to go to law school and pursue a career as a family and immigration lawyer. Her advice for future students is to enjoy their college experience. 

鈥淓njoy the butterflies,鈥� she said. 鈥淢ake friends, find your people. Join clubs. Go to the events the university holds. These things all seem so nerve-wracking at first, but I guarantee, you will not regret it.鈥�

The post Vivian Angeles Graduates with Two Bachelor鈥檚 Degrees in Criminal Justice and English聽 appeared first on News.

Since joining the university in August 2022, Coble has had five articles published or accepted for publication, examining topics such as children鈥檚 testimony in court, the use of artificial intelligence in criminal justice education, police decision-making in sexual violence cases, and how attorneys strategically question witnesses.

“It’s been a productive year,” Coble said. “A good bit of my research focuses on child sexual assault cases, particularly the questioning techniques attorneys use to establish or discredit credibility in testimony. This research is crucial in understanding how legal actors approach these cases and how misconceptions about sexual violence influence decision-making.”

Her article in the journal Justice Quarterly, based on her dissertation, examines how a victim鈥檚 race might influence law enforcement’s decision to arrest suspects. Another recent publication in Psychology, Public Policy, and Law categorizes how prosecutors and defense attorneys use memory-related questions strategically in child sexual abuse trials.

“The article from my dissertation is one of my favorites because it represents some of my first independent research,” Coble said. “But my most recent article on memory questioning in child sexual abuse cases is also fascinating because it sheds light on how legal strategies shape case outcomes.”

Beyond her published work, Coble is currently engaged in two major research projects. One study involves a randomized vignette design assessing how different questioning techniques impact jury verdicts in child sexual abuse cases.

The second project, in collaboration with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 William H. Bowen School of Law, involves interviewing district court judges to understand their perceptions of professionalism, equity, and fairness within Arkansas district courts.

Coble brings her research into the classroom, encouraging students to engage with the legal system through interactive assignments. In her Introduction to Criminal Justice course, students observe real court proceedings and participate in hands-on activities designed to help them understand the complexities of the justice system.

“Teaching is incredibly rewarding,” Coble said. “I love seeing students engage with real-world applications of criminal justice concepts. It鈥檚 exciting to create assignments that challenge them to think about aspects of the system they hadn鈥檛 considered before.”

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鈥淚 am honored to represent 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock on the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council,” said ten Bensel. “This initiative is critically important to our community, and I am committed to contributing to the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in Arkansas. It is a meaningful opportunity to make a difference and support this vital cause.鈥�

She was appointed to the council in 2023 for a five-year term. She is the only 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock faculty member serving on the council, whose mission includes developing victim-centered approaches to identify human trafficking victims, investigating and prosecuting sex and labor trafficking cases at all jurisdictional levels, and providing resources and services tailored to the needs of survivors.

鈥淗uman trafficking involves the illegal transportation or coercion of individuals to exploit their labor or services, often through forced labor or sexual exploitation. It is, in essence, modern-day slavery,鈥� ten Bensel explained. 鈥淭hrough this council, our goals are to reduce trafficking across the state, enhance training for professionals who work with victims, and ensure improved protection and resources for survivors.鈥�

Her extensive research background in violence, particularly violence against women and children, informs her work on the council.

鈥淢y research has always focused on understanding the challenges faced by victims and the support they need,鈥� she said. 鈥淪erving on the council allows me to apply that knowledge to real-world solutions and help make a tangible difference in the lives of trafficking survivors.鈥�

Ten Bensel co-chairs the council鈥檚 Training Subcommittee alongside Annie Smith, a professor of law and director of the Civil Litigation & Advocacy Clinic and Human Trafficking Clinic at the University of Arkansas School of Law. Together, they lead efforts to create standardized training across various fields, including law enforcement, victim services, survivor advocacy, legal assistance, and mental health services.

鈥淥ur subcommittee is also tasked with reviewing existing training resources to ensure accuracy and relevance, as well as providing updated training to groups in diverse sectors,鈥� ten Bensel said.

With Arkansas鈥檚 location along the I-30 corridor, the state sees a significant amount of human trafficking activity. Ten Bensel emphasizes the importance of awareness as a key step in addressing the issue.

鈥淗uman trafficking is a significant issue in Arkansas, and the Arkansas State Police and other agencies are working tirelessly to identify and assist victims,鈥� she said. 鈥淩aising awareness is one of the most effective steps we can take to combat human trafficking victimization. While crime will never disappear entirely, we can work to reduce it, but until then, we must continue to have these conversations and bring attention to this critical issue.鈥�

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In its 2025 rankings, U.S. News & World Report 41st in 鈥淏est Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs鈥� and 55th in 鈥淏est Online Master鈥檚 in Criminal Justice Programs.鈥� These rankings highlight the university鈥檚 commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible education to students worldwide.

The first ranking assesses online master鈥檚 degree programs in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information systems, and information technology. For 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, this ranking includes the online Master of Science in information quality and Master of Science in information science programs. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has also earned a spot in this list for the past four years in a row.

The online master鈥檚 degree in information quality is a 33-hour program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program is designed to prepare students for industry and government careers as well as advanced doctoral studies. Developed with support from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Information Quality Program, the curriculum balances information quality theory with industry best practices using state-of-the-art technology.

The online master鈥檚 degree in information science is a 33-hour program designed to familiarize individuals with the advanced knowledge, skills, and technologies for working with large amounts of complex data. Students learn how to compete in an industry with an ever-present demand for new innovations in data science and analytics, advanced information systems design and development, and emerging information technologies. Both degrees serve as a stepping stone for other advanced graduate degrees, such as 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Ph.D. in computer and information science.

鈥淚nterest in the Master of Science in Information Science program has grown significantly in recent years,鈥� said Dr. Daniel Berleant, professor of information science and program coordinator. 鈥淏y offering courses in both in-person and online formats, we鈥檙e able to meet the needs of students here in Little Rock as well as working professionals and learners across the country. As higher education increasingly embraces online delivery, our program remains at the forefront of providing high-quality, affordable online education.鈥�

The School of Criminal Justice and Criminology (SCJC) offers an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice that equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to excel as practitioners and supervisors in the criminal justice system.

“The SCJC faculty and staff have worked hard to earn this ranking, which reflects a significant improvement from the 2024 rankings,鈥� said Dr. Michael Cavanaugh, SCJC director. 鈥淲e are committed to continuing to enhance the online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program to provide the best opportunities for students in our region.鈥�

SCJC has also been ranked 89th out of 683 colleges in the U.S. for criminal justice programs by Niche, placing it in the top 13% nationwide.

鈥淏eing ranked among the top programs in the country is an incredible accomplishment,鈥� Cavanaugh said. 鈥淲e are honored by this recognition and will work hard to meet the high expectations that come with it.鈥�

Cavanaugh credited much of the program鈥檚 teaching success to a mentoring initiative led by professors Molly Smith and Kilby Raptopoulos, which supports new faculty through peer mentorship, tutorials, and technical assistance.

鈥淢olly and Kilby have done a phenomenal job with this mentoring project,鈥� Cavanaugh said. 鈥淭heir dedication to fostering great teaching practices has made a significant impact on the quality of education we provide.鈥�

U.S. News & World Report evaluates programs based on data from institutional surveys and peer assessments. Rankings are determined by performance across five categories: student engagement, services and technologies, student excellence, faculty credentials and training, and expert opinions.

You can find out more about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 diverse online education opportunities at /online/.

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鈥淚 am honored to lead the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology and excited to work with our talented faculty and students,鈥� Cavanaugh said. 鈥淥ur goal is to prepare our students to become hard-working, ethical, and effective leaders in the field. We will focus on advancing research, education, and community engagement to address the critical challenges facing the criminal justice system today. Putting our students in the best position to succeed is my ultimate goal.鈥�

The School of Criminal Justice and Criminology is housed in the College of Business, Health, and Human Services. The school is home to five degree programs, including an associate degree, bachelor鈥檚 degree, two master鈥檚 degrees, one of which is fully online, as well as the state鈥檚 only doctorate program in criminal justice.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Cavanaugh to our college as the new director of the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology,鈥� said Dr. Tusty ten Bensel, associate dean of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services. 鈥淗e brings a wealth of experience, a fresh perspective, and a commitment to student learning and success. There is no doubt that his visionary leadership and strategic insight will be invaluable as SCJC continues to serve students at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and the community.鈥�

Cavanaugh joins 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock from the University of Houston 鈥� Downtown, where he has previously spent the past 12 years working in a variety of roles, including associate professor of criminal justice, director of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program, and assistant chair and acting chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work.

Cavanaugh earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice with a minor in biology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He attended Sam Houston State University, where he earned a master鈥檚 degree and Ph.D. in criminal justice.

His research is focused on school searches, juvenile delinquency, guns on campus, public policy, and program evaluation. He is the author of two books, 鈥淭he Legal Rights of the Convicted鈥� and 鈥淯nderstanding Juvenile Justice and Delinquency.鈥� He is currently evaluating a reentry program for veterans in a county jail as well as a prison rehabilitation program for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Cavanaugh is a member of the Southwestern Association of Criminal Justice, currently serving on the executive board as ombudsman, and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. He and his wife Sarah live in Bryant with their three children 鈥� Mikie, Brees, and Cayden.

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In 1994, Golden started his 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock career as a research coordinator at the Criminal Justice Institute. He has gone through the ranks of professorship and a term as graduate coordinator. He will retire in June as head honcho of criminal justice, serving out his final year as interim director of the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology.

鈥淚鈥檝e been fortunate that I stayed in one place for a long time,鈥� Golden said. 鈥淢y greatest achievement would be that I tried to give back to my university, my community, and my discipline. I had a lot of great students along the way. I鈥檝e been around long enough to have had students who were children of former students. It鈥檚 been a lot of fun.鈥�

Many of Golden鈥檚 co-workers had great things to report about his time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

“I’m happy that I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jim for the past eight years,鈥� said Dr. Robert Lytle, associate professor of criminal justice. 鈥淗is joy for community-facing research and collegiality have been important for what was, when I first started, a pretty young faculty. Whenever junior faculty and graduate students get lost in the trees of the job, Jim was particularly good at reminding us there is more to the forest of scholarship and education.”

Over the years, Golden has taught everything from research methods and statistics to cybercrime and terrorism classes. Golden developed a reputation as the guy who would teach any subject, remarking that his overall favorite class was called Disorganized Crime, which looked into gangs and disorganized crime.

鈥淚鈥檝e kind of been the guy that would take a stab at teaching classes that nobody else wanted to teach,鈥� he said.

After spending three years in the U.S. Army, Golden started his criminal justice career, not as an academic, but as a police officer in Jonesboro. By 1985, Golden was a detective sergeant, but his parents, who had bought a police scanner to monitor crime in the area, had already started a campaign for Golden to move into the safer world of academia.

鈥淭here was an opening for an instructor position at Arkansas State, and I was approached by the chair of the sociology department,鈥� Golden said. 鈥淎 lot of my mentors sat me down and told me that I could stay in the department and wait for someone to die until I got a promotion, or I could go to Arkansas State where I could have a positive impact on many more people. It was a conspiracy!鈥�

After four years as an instructor, Golden headed to Sam Houston State University to earn his Ph.D., where he and his wife ended up renting an apartment from a woman who had taught Golden鈥檚 father when he attended graduate school at the University of Arkansas. Golden鈥檚 father subsequently served as one of his inspirations for becoming a professor.

鈥淚鈥檓 a second-generation college professor,鈥� Golden stated. 鈥淚 started teaching at Arkansas State in 1985 and was fortunate enough to spend two years on the faculty with my father, who taught counselor education and psychology.鈥�

Funnily enough, Golden seems to come from a family that aggregates doctoral degrees. Golden, two of his siblings, and three of his first cousins all hold doctoral degrees.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 know what was in the water in Greenway, Arkansas, (Golden鈥檚 father and sister鈥檚 hometown) but it鈥檚 unusual to find six first cousins with Ph.D.s or M.D.s,鈥� he said.

In addition to his father, Golden identified two of his co-workers, the late Dr. Charles Chastain and Dr. Mary Parker, as the people who have most influenced his career.

鈥淭hey have both influenced how I have taught and a lot of what I have taught more than anyone else,鈥� Golden said. 鈥淲ith both Charles and Mary, I could go to them and ask them questions about anything. In fact, my management style this year as interim director has been 100-percent based off Mary Parker鈥檚 style of leadership.鈥�

Parker, a professor of criminal justice, also had good things to share about her time working with Golden.

鈥淚t has been an honor and a privilege to work with Jim for a lot of years (neither of us is saying how long),鈥� Parker said. 鈥淗e is the perfect combination of professional and academic, and he has had an incredible influence on our students. I will miss him terribly and thank him for everything he has done for me, our school, and our students!鈥�

Once he鈥檚 retired, Golden plans to spend more time volunteering at his church, spending time with his six-year-old granddaughter Harper Finley Smith, working as a ham radio operator, and traveling around seeing new sites and visiting his old favorites.

鈥淚鈥檓 an amateur photographer so I want to go on photo tours,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to visit my childhood homes of Silverton and Durango. I want to spend some time traveling across the country to go to New England and visit lighthouses. I鈥檝e got a bucket list of places to go. I want to be able to stop at places that have odd things like the world鈥檚 biggest watermelon and travel along Route 66.鈥�

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