Criminal Justice Program Faculty | 51°µÍø

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Scott Douthat

Scott Douthat, PhD

Title: Professor of Criminal Justice
Area: Criminal Justice
Office Location: Kricker 221
Email: sdouthat@shawnee.edu

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Hired in 2005, Dr. Douthat has taught courses across the fields of criminal justice/criminology, social work, sociology, and psychology. He received his PhD in forensic psychology in 2005 at the Union Institute and University where he studied under famed psychologist Dr. Albert Ellis. 

Between the years 2005 and 2013 he coordinated the sociology major and raised the major from 9 students to nearly 150 students. He also coordinated the number one and number two minors at the university, social work and criminology. The social work minor was so popular that it had as many students as all the other minors at the university combined. 

In 2013, when he was promoted to full professor, it was noted that Dr. Douthat had the highest student course evaluations in the history of the university. He has also taught the highest number of different courses and carried more students than any faculty at SSU. He continues to receive high ratings from students and is the university’s highest rated faculty member on ratemyprofessor.com. 

In 2022 he worked to bring criminal justice to the university as a new major and hopes to bring a Bachelor of Social Work program to SSU in the future.

Education

2005 Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Psychology
Specialization: Forensic Psychology 
Sub-specialization: Psychological assessment and counseling 
The Union Institute, School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences 
Cincinnati, Ohio. 
 
1999 Master of Social Work Degree
Concentration: Children and Families 
University of Cincinnati, School of Social Work 
Cincinnati, Ohio.  
 
1992 Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice
Additional studies in Forensic Psychology 
University of Cincinnati, College of Education 
Cincinnati, Ohio. 
 
1991 Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology
Certificate in Criminal Justice 
University of Cincinnati, College of Arts and Sciences 
Cincinnati, Ohio.  
 
1990 Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice
Specialization: Corrections
University of Cincinnati, College of Education 
Cincinnati, Ohio.

Presentation, Seminar, and Continuing Education Topics
  • Assessment of Suicide Risk 
  • Protocol for Handling Victims of Sexual Assault 
  • Assessment of Substance Abuse and Protocol for Intervention 
  • Effective Time Management Strategies 
  • The Role of Faculty in the Delivery of Academic Accommodations to Student’s with Disabilities 
  • Student’s Rights and the Legal Responsibilities of the University and Faculty for Students with Disabilities 
  • Historical and Current Trends in Correctional Rehabilitation 
  • Nonverbal Communication in Psychological Assessment and Counseling
Research Experience/Publications

Co-author. (2010). College Students’ Perceptions and Experiences with Health Insurance. Journal of The National Medical Association. 102(12),1222-1229.

Acknowledgement. Holmes, R. and Holmes, S. (2010). Serial Murder, 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Co-author with Kacir, C. (2007). Perceptions of Community Problems in the Greater-Portsmouth, Ohio Area.

Author. (2005). Generalized Revenge: a psychological construct for understanding behaviors of organized male serial murders. Ann Arbor, MI: ProQuest. 

Author and Program Developer. (1999). The Impact of the Instance Calming Sequence in Concert with Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy for Behavioral Management of Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Patients. A behavioral intervention program and study conducted for the Behavioral Health Unit of Mercy-Franciscan Hospital

Professional Licensure and Practice

Dr. Douthat maintains a private practice in counseling, social work, and forensic consultation through Portsmouth Counseling Services, LLC.

Independent Social Worker, State of Ohio, License No. I 0009424, valid to May, 2020.

SSU Service Committees and Advising
  • Coordination of Social Work Internship Program 
  • Educational Policy and Curriculum Committee (EPCC) Member 
  • ADA Compliance Committee 
  • General Education Advisory Committee (GEAC) Member
  • Coordination of Ohio University M.S.W. Program at S.S.U. 
  • Advisor for Social Work Club and former advisor for Sociology Club, Rugby Club, Nihilist Philosophy Club, and TKE Fraternity. 
     
Joe Barnett

Joe M. Barnett, PhD

Title: Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Area: Criminal Justice
Office Location: Kricker 222
Email: jbarnett@shawnee.edu

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With over 25 years of experience in the criminal justice field, Dr. Barnett brings a diverse background spanning local, state, and federal agencies, as well as corporate loss prevention. His real-world experience informs his approach as an educator, researcher, and advocate for criminal justice reform.

Dr. Barnett holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, along with both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in the same field. His academic background also includes advanced study in communication and philosophy, which has enriched his understanding of the social and ethical dimensions of criminal justice. His research and teaching interests span policing, corrections, policy, and legislative issues, with a continued emphasis on systemic reform.

A committed researcher, Dr. Barnett’s doctoral dissertation examined the intersection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the criminal justice system, a topic that continues to guide his academic work. He is also the author of two books - Racial Profiling in a Post-9/11 Society and Restorative Justice: The Journey of Healing.

As a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Criminal Justice in Popular Culture, Dr. Barnett examines the portrayal of criminal justice in the media and its impact on public perceptions and policy decisions.

In the classroom, Dr. Barnett challenges students to think critically and engage with diverse perspectives on criminal justice. His courses encourage students to explore complex issues, from the history of policing to restorative justice practices, while equipping them to drive positive change in the field.

Dr. Barnett is also actively involved in university governance, serving on the General Education Advisory Committee, Recruitment and Retention Committee, and the Clinical Processes Committee.