UA Little Rock Names Cavanaugh as New Director of School of Criminal Justice
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has named Dr. Michael Cavanaugh Jr., associate professor of criminal justice, as the new director of the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology, bringing a wealth of experience and innovative vision to the role.
“I am honored to lead the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology and excited to work with our talented faculty and students,” Cavanaugh said. “Our 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.”
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’s degree, two master’s degrees, one of which is fully online, as well as the state’s 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,” said Dr. Tusty ten Bensel, associate dean of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services. “He 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 UA Little Rock and the community.”
Cavanaugh joins UA Little Rock from the University of Houston – 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’s 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’s 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, “The Legal Rights of the Convicted” and “Understanding Juvenile Justice and Delinquency.” 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 – Mikie, Brees, and Cayden.
