Welcome from the Chair
Whether you are a current student, prospective student, criminal justice partner, or community member, thank you for visiting our website. We understand that there are many choices for undergraduate and graduate programs in the Greater Birmingham area and are pleased that you are considering UAB.
This is an exciting time for our department as we were just renamed following an extremely generous donation from Mr. J. Frank Barefield, Jr. This funding will enhance our ability to provide high-level instruction and to support future generations of criminal justice students, as well as to support scientific research by our esteemed faculty members. Our commitments to justice, fairness, and equity will forever be strengthened. You can learn more about the gift by reading the full announcement from UAB News.
We are confident that you will find our academic programs challenging, rewarding, and the best value for your resources. At a time when many campus and online colleges/universities are using an “assembly line” approach to process students as quickly, impersonally, and cheaply as possible, at UAB we take the time to teach, mentor, and train our students in the highest standards of research, practice, and ethics.
I am confident that you will enjoy your experience here at UAB. If there is ever a time that you would like to speak with me about our programs, research, and resources, I will be available. I look forward to meeting you and wish you a successful and rewarding academic experience.
Sincerely,
Kent R. Kerley, PhD | Professor and Chair
J. Frank Barefield, Jr. Department of Criminal Justice
President, Southern Criminal Justice Association
1201 University Boulevard, Suite 210
Birmingham, AL 35294-4562
(205) 975-5701