Quanda Stevenson, PhD

Program Director

• Criminal Justice
• Juvenile Justice Studies
• Cyber Criminology
• Forensics and Investigation minor
• Homeland Security Administration minor
• Forensic Psychology minor
• C.A.S.T. (Child Advocacy Studies Training) Certification

Education

• Ph.D., Interdisciplinary Studies (Criminal Justice, Education Administration, Political Science, Human Development) – University of Alabama
• M.S., Criminal Justice – University of Alabama
• B.A., Criminal Justice / B.A., Political Science – University of Alabama

Biography

Dr. Stevenson received a dual bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science; a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice; and an Interdisciplinary doctorate which consists of a Public Administration, Higher Education, Education Administration, Human Development, and Criminal Justice/Sociology from The University of Alabama. 

Dr. Stevenson has worked in higher education for over 20 years; teaching students at The University of Alabama, University of West Alabama, Miles College, and Athens State University.  She is currently the Program Director and Full Professor of Criminal Justice, Child Advocacy Student Training (C.A.S.T.), Forensics, and Juvenile Justice concentration at Athens State University.  She has taught a wide variety of criminal justice, political science, sociology, and public administration courses. 

She has presented research related to school violence and crime, STEM/STEaM, bullying, truancy, and domestic violence at several national, state and local conferences. She presented two papers during the 8th Annual HUIC STEM Conference at Hawaii University in 2018 entitled, “A Glance at a Youth STEaM Conference”, and “An Interdisciplinary STEM Project for At-Risk and Truant Children and Families”. In 2015, she also presented at the 2015 Anti-Bullying Summit, Regional, National, and International Conference held in Atlanta, GA., and hosted by Auburn University.  Her approved, peer-reviewed presentation topic was: “The Bully as a Victim”.  Moreover, she presented during the Adult and Juvenile Drug Court Training at The National Drug Court Institute.  She was selected as a member of the Northern District of Alabama Federal Anti-Bullying Campaign Task Force for the United States Attorney’s Office; US Attorney Joyce Vance’s Office.   In 2014, she was a co-presenter and researcher for a presentation proposal and submission for National Art Education Association (NAEA); topic: “Truancy Intervention Program of Alabama Art Projects on Truancy”.  In 2013, she also presented at the 29th National Symposium on Child Abuse on the topic of Domestic Violence and Dating Abuse among High School Students.  She also presented during Project S.A.F.E.: Stopping Abuse in the Family Environment’s “Identifying Effective Solutions” conference.  Research topic: “Step Up and Stop the Bullying” as a Preface. 

She has and currently is a board member of various community organizations, such as Limestone County/Athens Child Advocacy Board, Every Child Has a Story, Tuscaloosa County Child Advocacy Center, subcommittee community service; Fight to Kick Childhood Cancer; Limestone County Child Policy, and North Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force. 

She has received several certifications and honors. She was awarded, “The President’s Volunteer Service Award” by President Obama and the Corporation for National & Community Service organization for her community service and volunteerism in 2016.   In addition, she received the prestigious award for the 2015-2016 academic year for faculty, “Teacher of the Year” for teaching excellence from Athens State University.  She also received the Athens State University’s Presidential Award for Meritorious Performance in 2015.  

She is the founder and Executive Director of several community programs, such as Truancy Intervention and Prevention (T.I.P.) of Alabama and Youth Education and Awareness (Y.E.A.) of Alabama, and Mentoring Youth, (M.Y). These programs aim to reduce the occurrence of school incidents, abuse, and violence. The overall objective of the program is to eliminate abuse and offer a safe, nonviolent, and conducive learning environment for all children through educational programs that address issues related to children in the community. The program provided information on personal and public safety, school safety, self-esteem, education, truancy, anti-bullying, health and wellness, and STEaM.

 Community Service is very important so she devotes several hours to helping others in the community! She enjoys reading novels and writing books for children and families.  She also enjoys spending time fishing, traveling, and golfing with family! She is a member of the prestigious sorority of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated.