Faculty

LEJA faculty portrays a diverse group with varying ethnic backgrounds and educational and prior practitioner experiences. It is the diversity that strengthens the program and delivery of course work and services that underscore the Department. LEJA strives for excellence with their faculty and is committed to hiring and maintaining a diverse faculty, which benefits our students, the University, and the field of criminal justice. The College and the University have recognized several LEJA faculty members for their commitment to excellence in the classroom.

LEJA faculty members also invest their time and expertise by serving on Departmental, College, and University committees. Many of the faculty additionally serve on community committees and participate as board members on state and national advisory boards in varying aspects of the criminal justice profession. Faculty members also contribute to the criminal justice field by providing new knowledge through research and scholarly activities, by providing training and research seminars, and by providing technical assistance to agencies in the profession. 

LEJA faculty members research their respective fields of expertise and attend seminars periodically and integrate new information into their course work. This is particularly critical in the law courses that are offered to our students. Since the criminal justice system revolves around court decisions at the state and federal level, it is paramount that LEJA professors research new court decisions and integrate them into their courses. Of equal importance are the changes in technology which impact classroom lectures and activities. Over 90 percent of the LEJA professors enhance their courses through the use of varying technologies and several faculty members have been recognized by the University for integrating technology within the classroom. Most of the LEJA professors have participated in a variety of technology workshops offered by WIU’s Center for Innovation, Teaching and Research and/or have participated in state and national training seminars. 

 

Faculty Profiles

 

Part-Time Faculty

  • Jeff DeJoode - Attorney
  • James Drozdz - Hancock County States Attorney
  • Robert Elliott - Commander, Illinois State Police
  • Michael Grchan - Instructor
  • Richard Janoski - John Deere Security
  • Danny Leezer - Illinois State Police
  • Vladimir Sergevnin- ILEE Administration Faculty