Faculty Spotlight : Carla Lawson

Carla Lawson

I am an full time lecturer primarily at the Somerset regional site. I began co-teaching for EKU in June of 2012 and began my solo teaching career the following spring. I am a three-time EKU graduate. I have earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice, a B.S. in Police Studies, and an M.S. in Adult and Juvenile Correctional Leadership, and am currently working on my PhD in Educational Leadership. I prefer teaching courses regarding vice or sensational crime. It is difficult to choose a favorite course; however, some of my most enjoyable have been Human Trafficking, Prostitution, and Organized Crime.

What do you like best about SJS at the Regional campuses?

I like the convenience the regional campuses and sites provide to students. Many students, because of work, family obligations, financial constraint, etc., may not have the opportunity to travel to the main campus for classes. By having the regional campuses and sites available to them, they have the same educational doors open to them as other students. This can be great for improving their lives as well as the lives of their families.

Why did you go into teaching?

I went into teaching, and specifically Criminal Justice teaching, because of parental influence. My mother retired after 24 years of teaching middle school. Growing up, I was always taught the importance of education and spent free time at school, as well. I remember helping her with bulletin boards, lesson plans, etc. My stepfather of many years retired after a long career in law enforcement at all levels (local, state, and federal to include service as an MP during Vietnam.) Both education and criminal justice/law enforcement are very important and fascinating to me, so my current career path allows me to fulfill both interests equally.

What do you like most about teaching at the regional campuses?

Personally, what I like most about the Criminal Justice program at the regional campuses and sites is the smaller class sizes and one-on-one attention that we are able to offer students. With a larger class there may not be time to spend with each student. At the regional campuses and sites, we are able to focus more on the individual student and their specific level of understanding.

How do you make a difference in our Regional campus students' lives?

Hopefully I am able to have a positive impact on our regional campus students’ lives through dedication and attention. I think it is vitally important that students are given individual attention when necessary to help them achieve their full potential. At the regional campuses and sites, we are able to do this because of the smaller class sizes and accessibility of the locations. While I have office hours set, I make it clear to everyone that I can always be reached via email. Some issues come up at midnight or on a Saturday, and often I am able to resolve those outside of normal class times.

Do you have any advice for current EKU/SJS students?

My advice to current EKU/SJS students would be to work hard and take advantage of everything available to you. We have an excellent library accessible online, very cooperative faculty and staff, and some of the leaders in the Criminal Justice related fields. By utilizing all we offer, students can reach educational levels and goals they may never have thought possible. From here, you really can go anywhere!

Do you have any advice for prospective EKU/SJS Regional campuses students?

I would advise prospective regional campus students to definitely look at all that our campuses have to offer. The financial benefit, ease of location, and individual attention can work together to make the educational experience one that will help you reach your full potential and soar to heights you never thought possible!

Published on January 05, 2015