Atica Thomas, M.S., M.Phil., Ph.D. (ABD)

My career has been dedicated to public service, particularly within the realm of criminal justice. I’ve held various roles, including juvenile and adult probation officer, law enforcement officer, and executive leadership positions in both juvenile and adult justice systems, gaining a deep understanding of the complexities of the system. This experience has allowed me to develop and implement programs that improve services for individuals and communities and work with individuals from all walks of life. This passion stems from a lifelong drive to advocate for others and make a positive impact on my community.

In previous roles in executive leadership, I also successfully led teams to implement key performance indicators to evaluate program effectiveness and forged strong collaborative partnerships with legal and law enforcement agencies, as well as leading a non-secure transitional community corrections program for female offenders.

I’ve always been dedicated to education and its transformative power. I have previously taught at multiple colleges and universities, developing and delivering curricula for introductory and advanced courses. As an adjunct professor at Russell Sage College, I am honored to be amongst some of the great leaders in the field to shape the minds of future criminal justice leaders, instilling in them a strong sense of ethics, leadership, and social responsibility. A master’s degree in Criminal Justice and Community Corrections is a powerful tool that will equip students to excel in this dynamic field. It positions them to not only serve but to lead the way in addressing complex societal issues.

“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of minds to think,” according to the late great Albert Einstein. I always strive to encourage a place where learning is active and engaging, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration, where differences of opinion are celebrated, and not criticized. I hope in my classroom students feel safe, welcomed, valued, heard, and respected. Ultimately, the goal is to empower students to become curious, confident learners ready to make a positive impact on the world, even when it challenges their typical perspectives.

In the spirit of Russell Sage College, Be. Know. Do.