Meet the Team
Damon Bullock
Co-Chair of Behavioral Sciences / Professor of Criminal Justice
Damon Bullock
Co-Chair of Behavioral Sciences / Professor of Criminal Justice
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
- Ph.D. In Sociology, 2012, Texas Woman’s University
- M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Criminal Justice & Psychology), 2018, Western New Mexico University
- M.A. in Liberal Studies (Criminal Justice, Social Work, & Gerontology), 2005, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- B.S. in Sociology, 2001, Minor in Biology, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Disciplines
Criminal Justice
Courses Currently Taught
- Community-Based Corrections
- Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
- Corrections System
- Criminal Justice and Minorities
- Criminal Justice Professional Skills
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Juvenile Justice
- Victimology
- Women and Crime
Biography
My philosophy to education is that each student present has a strong desire to learn and to develop skills that will assist the student in becoming a competent and innovative professional. My research and academic interests include: race and diversity in the military, structural functionalism in social institutions, disparities in minority conviction rate, and internal dynamics of social institutions. Collaborative work relations and cooperative involvement are an integral part of my research and academic interests.
Contact Information
Email: bullockd@wnmu.edu
Phone:
(575) 538-6187
Location: Phelps Dodge 237
Wen-chi Chen
Co-Chair of Behavioral Sciences / Professor of Psychology
Wen-chi Chen
Co-Chair of Behavioral Sciences / Professor of Psychology
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
- Ph.D. in Family Studies and Human Services, 2011, Kansas State University
- M.S. in Counseling, 2004, Pittsburg State University
- B.A. in Psychology, 1999, Brigham Young University – Hawaii
Disciplines
Psychology
Courses Currently Taught
- Introduction to Psychology
- Cultural Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Human Motivation
- Human Sexuality
- Interpersonal Psychology
- Psychopathology
- The Family: A Psychological Perspective
- Topics in Developmental Psychology
Biography
With training in mental health counseling and family life education, my research interests revolve around interpersonal psychology, particularly the need for influence and closeness in intimate relationships and its link to relationship satisfaction. I am equally committed to studying student motivation and retention, constantly seeking strategies to improve educational outcomes through psychological insights. Currently, I am investigating how the temperament of envy correlates with the trait of interpersonal victimhood, aiming to gain insights into resilience and the effects of social comparison on students’ well-being.
Contact Information
Email: chenw@wnmu.edu
Phone:
(575) 538-6114
Location: Phelps Dodge 138
Spenser Baca
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Spenser Baca
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
- J.D. in Law, 2015, University of Pittsburgh School of Law
- B.A. in Sociology, 2012, Western New Mexico University
- While at Pitt Law, Professor Baca was a Jonas Salk Fellow, Patient Safety Fellow, Death and Dying Fellow, Gismondi Fellow, Marshall Brennan Constitutional Literacy Fellow, recipient of Pitt Law’s Community Service Award, and nominated for Pitt Law’s Distinguished Public Scholar of the Year Award.
Disciplines
Criminal Justice
Courses Currently Taught
- Administrative Law
- Constitutional Criminal Procedure
- Criminal Courts & Procedure
- Criminal Investigations
- Ethics and Liability
- Homeland Security
- Institutional Corrections
- Introduction to Border Security
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
Biography
My teaching philosophy is to keep it practical. Every student who invests effort should be rewarded with a significantly better-informed perspective of life outside the textbook and classroom. I believe understanding big picture policy, procedure, and case law begins with boiling things down to the profound and routine practical implications the criminal justice system has in people’s everyday lives.
As a practicing attorney I take great interest in the mastery of effective communication in regard to managing client relationships/expectations, negotiation, and litigation. Academically I am interested in access to justice issues specific to communities in rural America and same for access and affordability to healthcare. Critical Race Theory, feminist legal theory, and end of life decision-making and the right to die are also academic areas I am enthusiastic about.
I do pro bono legal representation for involuntary commitment cases and as guardian ad litem or respondent’s attorney for abuse and neglect cases when appointed by the court. I like to volunteer for the Commons: Center for Food Security and Sustainability and previously served on the board of directors. I currently sit on the New Mexico Community Development Council.
I cherish and adore spending family time with my wife and our two daughters. We love Harry Potter, Star Wars, and most things Pittsburgh including the Steelers. I’m a casual fan of sports, gaming, and keeping up with current events/politics. I love music and am a huge fan of hip hop. I try to stay balanced by keeping a gym routine and reading books that have nothing to do with the law.
Contact Information
Email: spenser.baca@wnmu.edu
Phone:
(575) 538-6422
Location: Phelps Dodge 236
Mark Chu
Professor of Psychology
Mark Chu
Professor of Psychology
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
- Ph.D. in Social Psychology, 2011, Kansas State University
- M.S., in Social Psychology, 2007, Kansas State University
- B.A. in Psychology, 1998, Brigham Young University – Hawaii
Disciplines
Psychology
Courses Currently Taught
- Brain and Behavior
- Education and Careers in Psychology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Lifespan Personality Development
- Psychology of Gender
- Psychology of Prejudice
- Research Methods
- Social Psychology
- Social Statistics
Biography
My research interests include social support, sexism, prejudice, and attachment styles. I’ve constantly mentored undergraduate and graduate students on their research in various topics in psychological sciences, leading to their presenting the results at national conferences. Currently, I teach social statistics, research methods in psychology, social psychology, the psychology of prejudice, the psychology of gender, brain and behavior, as well as other electives. I was a state representative for the Southwest Psychological Association (SWPA) between 2014-2017. Now, I serve as a council representative for the Western Psychological Association (WPA).
Contact Information
Email: po-sen.chu@wnmu.edu
Phone:
(575) 538-6528
Location: Phelps Dodge 137
Jennifer Coleman
Professor of Psychology
Jennifer Coleman
Professor of Psychology
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
- Ph.D. in Psychology, focus in Cognitive Psychology, University of New Hampshire
- MST in College Teaching, University of New Hampshire
- MA Psychology, focus in Human Vision, University of New Hampshire
- MBA, Western New Mexico University
- MA in Counseling, Western New Mexico University
- MA in Interdisciplinary Studies, Art and English, Western New Mexico University
- BA Psychology, State University of New York at Geneseo
Disciplines
Psychology
Courses Currently Taught
- Business Statistics and Statistics in the Social/Behavioral Sciences
- Cognition
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Positive Psychology
- Psychology of Sports and Exercise
- Teaching of Psychology
- Theories of Personality
Biography
Recent work has focused on undergraduate research with students at a distance and factors that impact belongingness in higher education. As a generalist at heart, my interests range from judgment and decision-making, advising, quality teaching/pedagogy, learning and memory, and more.
At WNMU, I have been a pioneer of both online education and student engagement in research, scholarship, and creative works. I was a founding creator of the WNMU Research Symposium, founding Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies, and the founder/creator of Student Research and Professional Development Funds (SRPD Funds).
I serve on the Council of Undergraduate Research and on the editorial board for the Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research journal. In my spare time, I love playing the piano, reading, listening to music, and seeing shows. I also enjoy teaching my Australian Shepherd, “Kai,” new tricks, taking him to the dog park, and staying current by learning from my teenage son.
Contact Information
Email: jennifer.coleman@wnmu.edu
Phone:
N/A
Location: N/A
David Gorman
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
David Gorman
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
- J.D., 2005, Gonzaga University School of Law
- B.S. in City and Regional Planning, New Mexico State University
Disciplines
Criminal Justice
Courses Currently Taught
- American Crime Policy
- Criminal Justice and Minorities
- Criminal Justice Resources on the Web
- Corrections Law
- Criminal Courts & Procedure
- Criminal Law
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- New Mexico Law
- Police and Society
Biography
I have practiced as an attorney in Silver City for over 17 years. During this time, I served as a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children for over ten years. I have volunteered in pro bono clinics set up by the Sixth Judicial District and provided pro bono legal work for many community members. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to be more involved with WNMU and finding different ways to serve the community. My research interests include disparity in sentencing, mental health in the criminal justice system, and human/sex trafficking on the border. My academic interests include being part of a collaborative effort to effectively prepare students for whatever career path they choose within the criminal justice system. Most of my time outside of work is spent with my wife and our two sons. We enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, camping, and exploring areas throughout the Southwest. We often travel to San Carlos, Mexico, where we spend time saltwater fishing, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach. I enjoy watching movies, history documentaries, and football and basketball games.
Contact Information
Email: david.gorman@wnmu.edu
Phone:
(575) 538-6864
Location: Phelps Dodge 242
Jennifer Johnston
Associate Professor of Psychology
Jennifer Johnston
Associate Professor of Psychology
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
- Ph.D. in Psychology, emphasis in Media, 2013, Fielding Graduate University
- M.A. in Counseling, 1996, Webster University
- B.S. in Psychology, 1994, Santa Clara University
Disciplines
- Media Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Courses Currently Taught
- Developmental Psychology
- Human Sexuality
- Introduction to Psychology
- Media Psychology
- Psychopathology
- Senior Seminar in Psychology
- Topics in Developmental Psychology
Biography
I am a research psychologist with particular interest in how media use affects our psychology, and how our psychology informs effective use of all types of media. I was a licensed mental health clinician for 15 years before entering academia, so I often conduct research at the intersection of media effects and psychological disorder. I am interested in the power and effects of media, especially regarding sexuality, violence, and public health. Specifically, I have explored the sequelae of trauma on memory and somatic complaints, pornography viewing and how it impacts intimacy and human sexuality in teens and adults, factors that lead to rape myth acceptance, narcissism’s impact on fame-seeking as a form of achievement motivation, parasocial relationships with media, media contagion’s impact on mass shootings in America, ethics of counselors and alternative sexual practices like BDSM, prevalence and causes of rape fantasy, and public perception of supervised injection facilities for opioid addicts. Two current projects are 1) development of a theory and book titled, “The 80% Rule: Your Brain’s Experience Abacus,” which explores a unifying process that underlies many developmental trajectories of human thinking and behavior, and a 2) Youth, Media, and Climate Justice project that students are working on for spring 2024.
I have served as Coordinator of the Institutional Review Board for nine years. I am the psychology liaison for the BUILDscholars program at UTEP, NMSU’s INBRE, and UNM’s UPN, our pipeline partners for undergraduate research internships. I mentor students who want to conduct research, find paid internal or external internships, and help them present at regional and international conferences. I am regularly utilized by the media regarding my expertise areas, but especially for media contagion theory and mass shootings. Estimated viewership/readership reach of my media interviews and articles is over 500 million. I was invited to speak to the Federal Commission on School Safety, and frequently give invited addresses on this and other Media Psychology topics. I will continue to collaborate with scholars from diverse fields to reduce violence and improve the mental health and well-being of all people.
Contact Information
Email: johnstonj@wnmu.edu
Phone:
(575) 538-6303
Location: Phelps Dodge 140
Gilbert Najar
Professor
Gilbert Najar
Professor
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
- Ph.D. General Psychology with emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 2023. Dissertation: Qualitative Descriptive Study of Transfer of Training Experienced by Rookie Officers, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona
- Master’s Degree - MBA 1981, New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, New Mexico
- Bachelors of Science Degree Criminology 1978, University of Albuquerque, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Executive School of Staff and Command, Graduate 90th Session, 1995 - 120 hours, Northwestern University School of Staff and Command, Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Leadership in Police Organizations, Graduate of the 2nd Session, 2009 - 120 hours, International Association of Chiefs of Police Center for Leadership Excellence
Disciplines
Public Safety and Criminal Justice
Courses Currently Taught
Criminal Justice course taught since 2012. CJUS 1268 Pre-Academy Fitness & Testing; CJUS 1270 Law Enforcement Training Academy I; CJUS 1280 Law Enforcement Training Academy II; CJUS 210, Police and Society; CJUS 232, Criminal Investigation; CJUS 311 Police Administration and Management, CJUS 342 Community Policing.
Police academy course taught include: General Police Instructor Development and Certification, Community Policing, Multi-Cultural Competence/Diversity in Policing, Tactical Communications, Ethics in Public Safety, Incident Response to Terrorism, Crisis Response to Mentally Impaired. De-escalation and Crisis Intervention Training, Spanish Survival, First Line Police Supervision, Use of Force, Reality Based Training, Physical Fitness, Kettlebell / Wild Ropes Instructor, Field Training Officer, Mid-management Supervision, Basic Academy Fitness Program Design, Fair and Impartial Policing, Overall Academy Objectives, Rules and Regulations of the Academy, Learning Skills, Role and Function of the NMLEA, History and Principles of Law Enforcement, Cultural Diversity and Racial Sensitivity, Ethics and Moral Issues and Sexual Harassment, Emotional Health, Officer Suicide & Stress Management, Patrol Procedures and Operations, Vehicle Stop Techniques, Roadblocks and Barricades, Radio Procedures, Patrol Response Practicum, Night-time Vehicle Stops Practicum, Officer Survival, Building Searches Practicum, Missing Persons / AMBER Alert/ SILVER Alert/ BRITTANY Alert, Transporting Prisoners, Officer as a First Responder, Interview and Interrogation Techniques and Skills, Identification of Suspects, Injury and Death Cases, Sex Crimes, Controlled Substances, Informants and Intelligence, Surveillance, Technology Crimes and Investigation, Child Abuse and Neglect, Handling the Mentally Ill and Other Special Populations, Mental Illness History & the Law , Introduction to Mental Illness, Developmental Disability, PTSD, Dual Diagnosis, Autism, Youth in Crisis, Traumatic Brain Injury, Medication and Mental Illness, Note Taking and Report Writing
Biography
Public safety leader with over thirty year's criminal justice with twenty-five years of police officer field experience including command and executive level experience. Over thirty years experience in training ad education of police officers with experience in developing and executing organizational programs to accomplish law enforcement mission, goals, and objectives. Command experience in human resource management, policies and procedure development; productivity measurement, processes for personnel administration and resource development; problem-solving techniques, identifying areas of vicarious liability; implementing planning processes including strategic planning and development and job task analysis.
Financial and Personnel Management: Preparation/Execution of organizational budget; set sound fiscal management and budgeting principles, divisional goals and objectives, personnel selection, training, development, promotional requirements; set/execute strategic/project management policies/procedures.
Police Academy Management: NM Certified Police Officer (79-0273-P), NM certified General Police Instructor since1985, including specific specialized basic police academy topics and Master Instructor certification in Basic Instructor Development. Experienced in police academy management and administration. Director of Albuquerque Police Department Recruiting, Selection and Police Academy from 1998-2001. Director of WNMU Police academy 2012 to present.
P.O.S.T. Management: Deputy-Director of the NM Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) authority known as the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy under the NM Department of Public Safety. Responsible for oversight of nine regional police academies, providing basic academy and telecommunicator curriculum review and development, instructor training and certification and training course accreditation and classroom instruction in NM from 2004-2012. Experienced in operating and managing the law enforcement and public safety telecommunicator training, certification and maintenance of certification programs.
Contact Information
Email: najarg@wnmu.edu
Phone:
(575) 538-6288
Location: Phelps Dodge 238
David Swackhamer
Assistant Professor of Psychology
David Swackhamer
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
- Ph.D. in Psychology, Grand Canyon University
- M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (History & Education, Psychology & Education), 2012, Western New Mexico University
- B.A. in History & Psychology, 2010, Western New Mexico University & University of Arizona
Disciplines
Psychology
Courses Currently Taught
- Developmental Psychology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Psychology of Learning
- Social Psychology
Biography
My current research is directed toward a phenomenon known as “Stereotype Threat” in which an individual’s performance suffers when made cognizant of potential negative stereotypes. I intend to complete my dissertation on this topic. As an undergraduate and, later, as a graduate student, I focused on the impulse-control disorder known as “Trichotillomania” in which individuals have a compulsive desire to pull out their own hair from a single or variety of bodily locations.
My academic interests center on psychology. In specific, social psychology (especially, conformity, obedience, and bystander apathy) as well as psychopathology (particularly, impulse control disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders) intrigue me. Outside of psychology, my academic interests encompass meteorology, geography, history, and world/national politics.
Apart from school, I enjoy hiking, mountain cycling, fishing, and camping. I also love working with various aspects associated with computers – hardware, software, and programming. Also, I regularly read news from a variety of sources (local, national, and international) in an effort to stay informed with occurrences that impact us all.
Contact Information
Email: david.swackhamer@wnmu.edu
Phone:
(575) 538-6351
Location: Phelps Dodge 136
Aretha Amundson
Adjunct Instructor of Psychology
Aretha Amundson
Adjunct Instructor of Psychology
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
M.A. in Counseling, 2016, Western New Mexico University
Disciplines
Psychology
Courses Currently Taught
- Introduction to Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychopathology
Biography
Aretha Amundson is a licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor. She is also a Grant County clinical director, supervisor, and counselor who currently works at Winborn Wellness and Counseling in Silver City, NM.
Contact Information
Email: aretha.amundson@wnmu.edu
Phone:
N/A
Location: N/A
Sarah Balderas
Adjunct Instructor of Criminal Justice
Sarah Balderas
Adjunct Instructor of Criminal Justice
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
J.D. in Law, Washburn University School of Law, 2018
Disciplines
Criminal Justice
Courses Currently Taught
Immigration Law
Biography
Sarah Balderas was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. She attended Bishop Carroll High School, received her bachelor’s degree from Newman University as a student-athlete, and obtained her Juris Doctorate from the Washburn University School of Law. Sarah has been practicing law since September of 2018. She works alongside her cousin, Angela Balderas, at Balderas Legal Group, LLC, specializing in immigration law. Currently, she is a board member of the nonprofit organizations Children 1st, Salud + Bienestar, and the Wichita Public Library. In her free time, she golfs with her family every weekend.
Contact Information
Email: sarah.balderas@wnmu.edu
Phone:
N/A
Location: N/A
B. Scott Burton
Adjunct Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
B. Scott Burton
Adjunct Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
- M.S., Central Missouri State University, Criminal Justice
- B.A., William Jewell College (Liberty, MO), Communication
Disciplines
- Behavioral Sciences
Courses Currently Taught
- CJUS 462/562, Corrections Methods and Procedures
- CJUS 362, Community Resources in Corrections
- CJUS 361, Community-Based Corrections
- CJUS 260, Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Biography
Professor Burton has been an adjunct faculty member since 2009. He is retired from a 25-year combined career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the U.S. District Courts (assigned as a Sr. U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer in Santa Fe and Albuquerque). Scott has been teaching college/university criminal justice classes since 2006. In addition to WNMU, he is a full-time tenured Professor of Criminal Justice at the College of Southern Nevada. He also has teaching experience at Missouri State University, Drury University, and Dallas Christian College.
In addition to his federal law enforcement career, he has experience worked as a facility director and warden in the private prison industry post retirement. Scott is a former member of the State of New Mexico's Adult Parole Board. More recently, he was a Commissioner on the State of Nevada's Sentencing Commission from 2017-2019. In 2021, Scott served as the Director of the Southern Desert Regional Police Academy that is linked to the College of Southern Nevada.
Scott, his wife, and their West Highland terrier enjoy hiking the mountains of New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada.
Contact Information
Email: bburton@wnmu.edu
Phone:
N/A
Location: N/A
Brenda Burton
Adjunct Instructor of Criminal Justice
Brenda Burton
Adjunct Instructor of Criminal Justice
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
- M.S. in Criminal Justice, University of Central Missouri, 2008
- B.A. in Journalism, University of New Mexico, 1987
Disciplines
Criminal Justice
Courses Currently Taught
- Organized Crime
- White Collar Crime
Biography
Brenda Burton has served as an Adjunct Instructor since 2010, teaching White-Collar Crime and Organized Crime. She holds an M.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Missouri. She serves as an adjunct instructor at both Western New Mexico University and the College of Southern Nevada.
She was an FBI Special Agent from 1991 until 2000, holding assignments in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and McAllen, Texas. Her area of expertise was white-collar crime investigations, including health care fraud, bank fraud, mail fraud, and wire fraud. Working in two smaller offices allowed Brenda to assist with a variety of cases, including bank robberies, fugitives, and drug cases. Her specialized training included crisis negotiation, hate crimes, health care fraud, financial fraud, and bankruptcy fraud. She provided training in health care fraud matters at FBI training events. Brenda also served as a media spokesperson for both the Tulsa and McAllen offices.
Brenda and her FBI colleagues in Tulsa were instrumental in the investigation following the Oklahoma City Bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in 1995.
Contact Information
Email: burtonb2@wnmu.edu
Phone:
(575) 538-6442
Location: N/A
William Corbett
Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice
William Corbett
Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
- 1975 B.A., Political Science, Pennsylvania State University
- 1979 MPA, Master of Public Administration, Pennsylvania State University
- 1984 J. D., Juris Doctorate, University of Illinois
Disciplines
Criminal Justice and Business Law and Ethics
Courses Currently Taught
- BSAD 510
- BUSA 2460
- BLAW 2110
- CJUS 347
- CJUS 457/557
- CJUS 311
- CJUS 342
Biography
I received a B.A. in Political Science and a MPA from the Pennsylvania State University. Following graduation, I worked as a family law hearing officer for the Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania prior to working as a management consultant for the Alexander Proudfoot Company. I then obtained a J.D. degree from the University of Illinois and worked as a civil litigator in California for 13 years. Since 2008, I have taught in the areas of business law and ethics, criminal justice, and political science. I previously have served as a facilitator/mediator for civil litigation cases filed in the Third Judicial District of New Mexico and currently serve pro bono with the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program.
Contact Information
Email: corbettw1@wnmu.edu
Phone:
(575) 538-6442
Location: Remote
Rebecca Ewing
Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychology
Rebecca Ewing
Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychology
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
- Ph.D. in Psychology, Walden University, 2012
- M.S. in Psychology, Walden University, 2006
- B.A. in Psychology, Mercer University, 1997
Disciplines
Psychology
Courses Currently Taught
- Introduction to Psychology
- Cultural Psychology
- Senior Seminar in Psychology
Biography
With over 20 years in psychology education, Dr. Ewing focuses on using effective teaching strategies and creating engaging student-centered learning environments. She is committed to guiding students academically and professionally, meeting the diverse needs of traditional, nontraditional, underserved, and military students.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
• Association for Psychological Society (APS)
• Educational Psychology, Division 15, American Psychological Association
• Society for the Psychology of Women, Division 35, American Psychological Association
• Society for the Teaching of Psychology, Division 2, American Psychological Association
• Association National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME)
• National Institute for the Teaching of Psychology (NITOP) Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching (MERLOT)
• American Association of University Women (AAUW)
• International Organization of Social Sciences & Behavioral Research (IOSSBR)
• American Education Research Association (AERA)
Professionally relevant experience, research or scholarship interests, professionally relevant memberships, etc.
Contact Information
Email: ewingr@wnmu.edu
Phone:
(575) 538-6442
Location: N/A
Sharon Gough
Adjunct Professor of Psychology
Sharon Gough
Adjunct Professor of Psychology
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
- Ph.D. in Academic Psychology, Walden University, 2009
- M.A. in Community Counseling, Rollins College, 2001
- B.A. in Public Justice, State University of New Work, 1989
Disciplines
Psychology
Courses Currently Taught
- Introduction to Psychology
Biography
Dr. Gough is a licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor as well as a Clinical Counselor. She has been practicing as a clinical therapist since 2001. Currently, she provides therapy services to a diverse range of clients, including active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families, and provides counseling for substance abuse, couples, and trauma-related issues.
Contact Information
Email: goughs@wnmu.edu
Phone:
(575) 538-6442
Location: N/A
Curtis Hayes
Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice
Curtis Hayes
Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
- J.D. in Law, University of Utah College of Law, 1983,
- B.A. in Political Science, University of Utah, 1980
Disciplines
Criminal Justice
Courses Currently Taught
Civil Rights and Liberties
Biography
Professor Hayes practiced law for ten years, nine of which he spent as a prosecutor in New Mexico. He taught at WNMU for 24 years and then worked for the City of Gallup, New Mexico, as the City Attorney for six years before retiring. Professor Hayes remains active in education, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience through adjunct teaching at WNMU.
Contact Information
Email: curtis.hayes@wnmu.edu
Phone:
(575) 538-6442
Location: N/A
Codie Place
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Psychology
Codie Place
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Psychology
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Education
- Psy.D. in Criminology and Justice Studies, University of Arizona Global Campus, 2021
- M.A. in Criminal Justice, American Military University, 2014
- M.S. in Educational Psychology, Capella University, 2007
- B.S. in Applied Management, National American University, 2004
Disciplines
Criminal Justice and Psychology
Courses Currently Taught
- Criminal Psychology
- Profiling Violent Crimes
- Psychopathology
- Sex Crimes and Serial Killers
- Substance Abuse and Crime
Biography
Dr. Place has 15 years of experience in teaching and curriculum development as well as five years of work experience in law enforcement. She is trained in fraud examination and trauma-informed practices. Additionally, she holds a certification as a Quality Matters Higher Education reviewer.
Contact Information
Email: davisc10@wnmu.edu
Phone:
N/A
Location: N/A
Merritt Reed
Office Manager
Merritt Reed
Office Manager
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Contact Information
Email: Merritt.Reed@wnmu.edu
Phone:
(575) 538-6442
Location: Phelps Dodge 131
Dominique Williams
Graduate Scholar
Dominique Williams
Graduate Scholar
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Biography
Dominique joined the School of Behavioral Sciences department in January 2024. She graduated from WNMU with honors in psychology and is currently working on her master’s degree in counseling with a concentration in School Psychology.
Contact Information
Email: williamsd18@wnmu.edu
Phone:
(575) 538-6415
Location: Phelps Dodge 139