Carl Dement, Ph.D., lecturer, Criminal Justice
What is your background?
I was born and raised in Southeast Missouri and received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Missouri (UCM) in criminal justice through an ROTC scholarship. After graduation, I served on active duty as a platoon leader with the Army’s First Cavalry Division for four years in the Military Police Corps. While at Ft. Hood, TX I completed my master’s degree in criminal justice at the University of Central Texas. After leaving active duty, I spent 18 years as an operations and training manager with various companies across the country. I have lived in Texas, Georgia, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana and now in Oklahoma. I graduated from OSU with a Ph.D. in Emergency Management in May 2022.
Tell me how you first got involved at UCO.
I wanted to return to academia after working in the private sector. The School of Criminal Justice needed a full-time lecturer and I joined the team in 2016.
What would you say your strongest beliefs are about your contributions to the university?
In addition to guiding students through the learning process, I believe building lasting relationships is my greatest contribution. I teach courses at all undergrad levels so frequently have the same students in multiple courses. This allows us to get to know each other better. I enjoy hearing about their lives after they leave UCO.
What do you do when you are not working?
I have a little Hobie catamaran I enjoy sailing on Arcadia Lake.
