Albany State University Professor Receives Innovative Design Award
Albany State University (ASU) Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Dr. Kizzie
Donaldson-Richard, was honored at the 2024 Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS)
Conference in Chicago, IL, with the 2024 Innovative Design Award. The award is given from the Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship section of the Academy
of Criminal Justice Sciences. 
“This award has significant personal and professional meaning for me, said Professor Donaldson-Richard, as it underscores the innovative pedagogical methods I employ in the classroom. I am deeply honored to have my efforts acknowledged by such a distinguished organization.”
The award recognized Dr. Donaldson-Richard’s incorporation of High Impact Practices into her curriculum. These practices included experiential learning, crime scene reconstruction, and utilizing the ASU state-of-the-art law enforcement simulator.
The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences is an international association established in 1963 to foster professional and scholarly activities in criminal justice. ACJS promotes criminal justice education, research, and policy analysis within the discipline of criminal justice for educators and practitioners.
Dr. Jason Armstrong, Interim Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs noted, “Seven Albany State University representatives attended the 61st Annual ACJS Conference. Our representatives were able to seize the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills through various training sessions and to stay abreast of the latest research and best practices in Criminal Justice. ASU’s participation at this prestigious conference highlighted the cutting-edge contributions of our faculty and students to the field. It reinforced our institution’s stature as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation in Criminal Justice education.”
As a result of the award and recognition, Donaldson-Richard has been asked to share her insights and expertise as a guest lecturer at Chicago State University in Juvenile Delinquency. She has also been requested to return to further lecture on topics within the realm of Criminal Justice.
Additional information about the ASU Criminal Justice program can be found on the ASU website.