Pictured are several members of the Center for Law, Justice and Society. From left: Executive Director Col. Melissa A. Zebley; Associate Executive Director Maj. Laura M. O’Sullivan; Senior Director of Training Scott Duffey; Director of Community Engagement Dr. Kimberlynn R. Reeves; and Director of Training Veronica M. Hnat.
As the challenges facing public safety and the criminal justice system continue to evolve, innovative solutions require more than individual expertise. They require collaboration, research and a commitment to public service. Recognizing this need, Wilmington University’s Center for Law, Justice and Society (CLJS) has launched the Center Scholars Initiative, a multidisciplinary program that brings together practitioners, researchers, educators, policymakers and community leaders to help shape the future of justice.
The initiative reflects Wilmington University’s commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through scholarship, innovation and community engagement. As a university-based think tank, the Center Scholars Initiative will foster meaningful collaboration among professionals from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal: developing practical, evidence-informed solutions that strengthen public safety, improve justice systems and build public trust.
“Today’s public safety challenges cannot be solved by one profession or one perspective alone,” says CLJS Executive Director Melissa A. Zebley. “The Center Scholars Initiative creates a space where researchers and practitioners can work together to develop innovative ideas that make a measurable difference in our communities.”
Scholars appointed to the initiative will serve terms ranging from six months to one year and participate in monthly meetings held in person, through Microsoft Teams or in a hybrid format. Throughout their appointments, scholars will collaborate on applied research projects, develop policy recommendations, contribute to publications and present their work to professional audiences and government leaders.
Center Scholars will engage in interdisciplinary research that advances public safety, strengthens justice systems, promotes effective governance and improves community well-
being. Research priorities will address current and emerging challenges while generating practical, evidence-informed solutions for policymakers, practitioners and communities throughout Delaware and beyond.
Beyond producing research, the Center Scholars Initiative aims to cultivate a network of professionals committed to advancing thoughtful dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches to public service. The initiative represents an important step in establishing the Center for Law, Justice and Society as a regional resource for criminal justice research, professional development, policy innovation and community engagement.
The Center welcomes applications from individuals with expertise, professional experience or demonstrated leadership in criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, professional development, health and wellness, corrections, public policy, higher education, government or related disciplines. The Center values diverse perspectives, interdisciplinary collaboration and
innovative thinking, recognizing that the most effective solutions to today’s complex public safety and justice challenges emerge from partnerships across sectors, professions and communities.
Through the Center Scholars Initiative, Wilmington University continues to invest in research that not only advances knowledge but also contributes to safer communities, stronger institutions and more effective public policy. Together, the University and the Center are helping shape the future of justice through research, collaboration and innovation. Wu
—Kimberlynn R. Reeves
Individuals and agency leaders interested in joining the inaugural cohort can submit a brief statement of interest describing their professional background, areas of expertise and reasons for wanting to become a Center Scholar. Applicants should also submit a current résumé or curriculum vitae with “Center Scholars Initiative” in the subject line to justice@wilmu.edu.
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Pictured are several members of the Center for Law, Justice and Society. From left: Executive Director Col. Melissa A. Zebley; Associate Executive Director Maj. Laura M. O’Sullivan; Senior Director of Training Scott Duffey; Director of Community Engagement Dr. Kimberlynn R. Reeves; and Director of Training Veronica M. Hnat.
As the challenges facing public safety and the criminal justice system continue to evolve, innovative solutions require more than individual expertise. They require collaboration, research and a commitment to public service. Recognizing this need, Wilmington University’s Center for Law, Justice and Society (CLJS) has launched the Center Scholars Initiative, a multidisciplinary program that brings together practitioners, researchers, educators, policymakers and community leaders to help shape the future of justice.
The initiative reflects Wilmington University’s commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through scholarship, innovation and community engagement. As a university-based think tank, the Center Scholars Initiative will foster meaningful collaboration among professionals from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal: developing practical, evidence-informed solutions that strengthen public safety, improve justice systems and build public trust.
“Today’s public safety challenges cannot be solved by one profession or one perspective alone,” says CLJS Executive Director Melissa A. Zebley. “The Center Scholars Initiative creates a space where researchers and practitioners can work together to develop innovative ideas that make a measurable difference in our communities.”
Scholars appointed to the initiative will serve terms ranging from six months to one year and participate in monthly meetings held in person, through Microsoft Teams or in a hybrid format. Throughout their appointments, scholars will collaborate on applied research projects, develop policy recommendations, contribute to publications and present their work to professional audiences and government leaders.
Center Scholars will engage in interdisciplinary research that advances public safety, strengthens justice systems, promotes effective governance and improves community well-
being. Research priorities will address current and emerging challenges while generating practical, evidence-informed solutions for policymakers, practitioners and communities throughout Delaware and beyond.
Beyond producing research, the Center Scholars Initiative aims to cultivate a network of professionals committed to advancing thoughtful dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches to public service. The initiative represents an important step in establishing the Center for Law, Justice and Society as a regional resource for criminal justice research, professional development, policy innovation and community engagement.
The Center welcomes applications from individuals with expertise, professional experience or demonstrated leadership in criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, professional development, health and wellness, corrections, public policy, higher education, government or related disciplines. The Center values diverse perspectives, interdisciplinary collaboration and
innovative thinking, recognizing that the most effective solutions to today’s complex public safety and justice challenges emerge from partnerships across sectors, professions and communities.
Through the Center Scholars Initiative, Wilmington University continues to invest in research that not only advances knowledge but also contributes to safer communities, stronger institutions and more effective public policy. Together, the University and the Center are helping shape the future of justice through research, collaboration and innovation. Wu
—Kimberlynn R. Reeves
Individuals and agency leaders interested in joining the inaugural cohort can submit a brief statement of interest describing their professional background, areas of expertise and reasons for wanting to become a Center Scholar. Applicants should also submit a current résumé or curriculum vitae with “Center Scholars Initiative” in the subject line to justice@wilmu.edu.
Want to read more in-depth stories? Explore our latest magazine articles.
