Dr. Alexis Miller

Which classes do you teach online?

Introduction to Criminal Justice; Corrections in America; Police in America; The Criminal Court System; Juvenile Justice; Perspectives on Crime; Race, Gender and Crime; Flawed Criminal Justice Policy; and/or Rights of the Convicted

What do you want students in your courses to learn? What is the learning outcome or objective?

I want them to learn the course outcomes (of course) but I also want their way of thinking to be challenged, for them to be able to apply what they've learned to the real world, and always have fun! No one has enough fun anymore.

Why did you start teaching?

I enjoy working with students. Their excitement for life and desire to learn is a positive energy.

What advice would you give to those considering this online program?

Create a calendar and appointments to do coursework. It's easy for students (and faculty) to fall behind online because there are no class meetings, friends or faculty to remind you of deadlines. I've found that actually scheduling the time I will work online keeps me engaged and less likely to fall behind.

What qualities make someone particularly successful in the field in which you teach?

Integrity is probably the most important and desired quality for those hiring in this field. Also, because working in the field can “harden” someone, an ability to leave your work at the office, admit when you're wrong and apologize for those mistakes is crucial. Those working in this field have to be able to set aside the stress of the field so they can be happy, healthy and engaged in other parts of their life.

What do you think is the biggest challenge that people in the profession face today?

Exactly what I said above, learning to set aside the stress that comes with working in Criminal Justice so you can be happy, healthy and engaged in the other parts of your life. Also, not stigmatizing the need to seek professional help. This field is tough. It's important to remember those working in this field are human and that there is nothing wrong with seeking professional help.

What is the one book you think everyone should read?

“The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students may not know about you.

Using live gigantic elephant ear plants, I create gigantic concrete elephant ears that I have used to build a patio. I also like to mold and paint small fairy doors out of stepping stone clay and then mysteriously affix them to curbs in my neighborhood. Very few people know I'm doing this and it has created a stir in the neighborhood. People from all over the region have heard about the fairy doors and come to town to find them. It's been a lot of fun. SHHHH don't tell anyone!