Ward Named Criminal Justice Dean

Richard H. Ward, executive director of the University of Illinois at Chicago's Office of International Criminal Justice and an authority on international and domestic terrorism, has been named dean of the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University.

David Payne, vice president for academic affairs at SHSU, said that Ward will replace Margaret Farnworth this summer. Farnworth has served as acting dean since July, 1998. Ward's employment is subject to approval of the university's board of regents.

Ward began his criminal justice career with the New York City Police Department in 1962 as a patrol officer in Queens, where he also worked in the youth squad. He was promoted to detective in 1966 and worked in Brooklyn.

While working as a New York "cop" he also began his education, earning a bachelor's from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 1968, and a master's and doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley in 1969 and 1971.

He joined the faculty at John Jay College in 1970, and later served as Dean of Students, becoming vice president from 1975-77. He then moved to the University of Illinois at Chicago, serving as professor of criminal justice and vice chancellor for administration (1977-94), as associate chancellor (1994-98) and in his present position since 1994.

He is the author of numerous articles and books related to criminal investigation, including a text on criminal investigation with Professor James Osterburg, a former holder of the Beto Chair at SHSU.

He has lectured extensively in more than 40 countries throughout the world on law enforcement administration and investigative methods. He was a visiting professor at the National Police College at Bramshill in England, the Egyptian Police Academy and at East China University of Politics and Law in Shanghai.

He has lectured at the FBI Academy, and has been a visiting lecturer on crime and the media in Columbia University's School of Journalism and at Baylor University. He has been a consultant to numerous police departments in the United States, and to numerous international law enforcement and criminal justice organizations.

In addition to his expertise in transnational crime and international and domestic terrorism, he has directed major research projects for the federal government on police administration, counter-terrorism, and police corruption.

Ward was complimentary of the SHSU criminal justice program, saying he is eager to begin work.

"I am looking forward to joining one of the most prestigious criminal justice programs in the world, with a long and distinguished history," Ward said.

"My interests in international criminal justice and the opportunity to work more closely with educators and practitioners in law enforcement and criminal justice were important considerations in my decision to take this position at Sam Houston State University."

Payne said he appreciated the outstanding leadership provided during this year by Dr. Farnworth as acting dean and is impressed by Ward's qualifications.

"Dr. Ward is a distinguished scholar and practitioner who will bring great strength and experience to the leadership of the College of Criminal Justice," said Payne.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Feb. 24, 1999
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