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Dr. Malcolm L. Rigsby has been named professor of criminology and criminal justice
\n and coordinator of the criminal justice program at Ouachita Baptist University. He
\n brings more than 20 years\u2019 teaching and research experience in higher education to
\n the post, as well as a background in banking, private law practice and private-owned
\n business.\n <\/p>\n
\u201cThe benefits that Dr. Rigsby\u2019s experience, research and insight will bring to our
\n criminal justice majors at Ouachita will be immeasurable,\u201d said Dr. Kevin C. Motl,
\n dean of Ouachita\u2019s Sutton School of Social Sciences. \u201cWe welcome his capable leadership
\n as we launch our innovative new program.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
The new undergraduate residential degree launches Fall 2022 and is distinctive among
\n criminal justice degree tracks in Arkansas. Housed in the university\u2019s Department
\n of Sociology, the program is designed to equip graduates for careers in the criminal
\n justice system at every level. It will offer a multidisciplinary approach that includes
\n classes exploring the intersection of criminal justice, sociology, political science
\n and psychology. It will add 30 new credit hours\u2014or 10 new courses\u2014to Ouachita\u2019s catalog
\n as part of the 120 hours required to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal
\n justice.\n <\/p>\n
Through internship partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, students will
\n have opportunities for field experience with local law enforcement and courts. A 6-hour
\n practicum administered through Ouachita\u2019s Office of Campus Safety and Emergency Management
\n will offer practical experience as well as certification for part-time uniformed law
\n enforcement employment upon completion.\n <\/p>\n
These distinctions complement Rigsby\u2019s point of view as an instructor.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy holistic approach to life promotes my connecting with students,\u201d said Rigsby,
\n \u201chelping them to appreciate how knowledge links with real-life situations and thereby
\n fosters greater self-potential.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
He added, \u201cIn recent years the public perception of courts, law enforcement and corrections
\n has shifted. There are calls for social justice, for control of mass shootings and
\n other abuses.\u00a0These perceptions reflect a need for well-trained criminal justice professionals
\n with empathy, Christian values and ethics and who seek to protect and serve.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
Rigsby holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in teaching from Sam Houston State University
\n in Huntsville, Texas; a Juris Doctorate from the School of Law at St. Mary\u2019s University
\n in San Antonio; and a Ph.D. in sociology from Texas Woman\u2019s University in Denton.\n <\/p>\n
Since 2011, Rigsby has been a faculty member in what became the department of sociology,
\n human services and criminal justice at Henderson State University. He has served since
\n 2020 as professor of criminal justice and coordinator of criminal justice programs
\n at Henderson, where he was instrumental in developing Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor
\n of Science degrees in criminal justice, as well as certificate programs in criminal
\n justice and forensics. He taught courses on topics including criminal law, due process
\n and procedure, criminal types, advanced criminology and deviance.\n <\/p>\n
In 2006, as an adjunct professor of sociology and business at Ouachita, Rigsby developed
\n online courses for the Department of Sociology. He went on to serve as visiting professor
\n of sociology at Ouachita from 2008-2011, teaching courses in statistics, crime and
\n delinquency, social theory, sociology of religion, multicultural relations, social
\n problems and introduction to sociology.\n <\/p>\n
Motl said, \u201cWe are delighted to see Dr. Rigsby return to the Ouachita community and
\n bring his extensive expertise in criminology and criminal justice to our campus.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
For more information on Ouachita\u2019s residential undergraduate criminal justice program,
\n visit obu.edu\/criminal-justice<\/a> or contact Dr. Kevin C. Motl at (870) 245-5512 or motlk@obu.edu.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n