Department of Sociology & Criminology
The Department of Sociology & Criminology (SC) utilizes interdisciplinary and applied approaches to address and examine social concerns from a modern, scientific, and analytical perspective. We prepare students for participation in a global community. Crime, violence, poverty, social welfare, social justice, and global demography, criminal & antisocial behaviors, and environmental influences represent a small portion of the department's diverse academic pursuits, knowledge, and faculty. The criminology and sociology programs are a blend of academic theory and real-world experience with former criminal defense investigators, attorneys, and a diverse faculty from around the globe including Iran, India, and South Korea. This allows our students a unique opportunity to obtain first-hand knowledge from those who have experienced it. With over 30 years of combined real-world experience in the criminal justice system, our faculty offers more than theory.
- Department Chair
- Sociology Faculty
- Criminology Faculty
- Degree Plans
- Internships
- Path to the Pack
- Criminology & Sociology Student Success
Department Chair
Departmental Chair for Sociology & Criminology
Dr. Kenneth Balusek
Contact Information
Phone: 870-972-3705
kbalusek@AState.edu
Office: HSS 3073
Departmental Chair of Sociology & Criminology
Biography
Ken Balusek is an Associate Professor of Criminology and the Chair of the Department of Sociology & Criminology. He served as Chair of the Department of Politics, Justice, & Society and Associate Chair of the Department of Psychology, Justice, & Society at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri before joining Arkansas State. A native Texan, Dr. Balusek received his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. Prior to earning his doctorate in CJ and entering academia, he practiced law for approximately fifteen years. His practice consisted primarily of criminal defense in Federal and state courts. This experience gives him a unique perspective on the Criminal Justice System, and he brings this experience to the classroom to share with his students.
Dr. Balusek’s research and teaching interests include criminology, biosocial criminology, corrections, psychopathy, program evaluation, statistics, and research methodology. His first book, Offender Reentry and Cognitive Intervention: Propensity Score Matching Utility for Outcome Assessment (2014) evaluated the effectiveness of a cognitive intervention program offered to offenders in the Texas prison system. Other publications and presentations involve tests of criminological theories, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL), other evaluations of programs, as well as public perceptions of crime and crime rates. He is currently working on a proposal for a textbook on biosocial criminology as well as a test of Evolutionary Nueroandrogenic (ENA) theory using a sample of incarcerated offenders.
Dr. Balusek is married to Stephanie, has two grown sons, Bryce and Brent, and two dogs, Buster and Millie. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, watching sports, and doing jigsaw puzzles. He looks forward to leading the Department of Sociology & Criminology and working with the outstanding faculty and staff.
Education
Ph. D. Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Texas
Juris Doctor, The Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Michigan
B.S. Criminal Justice, Texas State University, Texas
Courses Taught
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Criminology
Corrections
Research Methods in Criminal Justice
Statistics
Juvenile Delinquency
Psychopathy
Sex Crimes: Theory, Practice, and Policy
Research Interests
Criminological Theory
Corrections
Correctional Programming
Crime Trends
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL)
Sociology Faculty
Sociology faculty members
Dr. Sanjeev Acharya
Contact Information
Phone: (870) 972-2956
sacharya@astate.edu
Office: HSS 3073
Associate Professor of Sociology
Faculty Advisor - Alpha Kappa Delta
Education
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Ph.D. in Medical Sociology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2020
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M.A. in Sociology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, 2015
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B.A. in Sociology and English, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, 2010
Teaching Specialties:
- Medical Sociology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Research Methods
- Sociological Theory
- Sociological Literacy
- Sports and Society
Research Interests
- Health Disparities
- Global Health
- SES and Health
- Gender and Health
- Quantitative Methods
Biography
Sanjeev Acharya received his Ph.D. in Medical Sociology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His research interests lie in health disparities, global health, socioeconomic status and health, gender and health, and quantitative methods. His research collaborations appear in The Lancet – EclinicalMedicine, Journal of Racial and Ethnic Disparities, Reproductive Health, and The Journal of Psychology. He is a member of American Sociological Association, Population Association of America, and Mid-South Sociological Association. He also serves as a peer-reviewer in the Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences.
Aside from his teaching role, Sanjeev likes to meditate, explore the wonders of nature, learn the mysteries of our universe, and play guitar.
Dr. Veena Kulkarni
Contact Information
Phone: (870) 972-3331
vkulkarni@astate.edu
Office: HSS 3073
Associate Professor of Sociology
Graduate Program Coordinator
Biography
Veena Kulkarni joined Arkansas State University after completing her Ph.D in Sociology with specialization in Demography and Development from University of Maryland –College Park. Her research interests lie at the intersections of studying social and economic inequalities with the focus on labor market processes and indicators, health and educational outcomes in the context of developing and developed countries. Her work has appeared in peer reviewed journals such as Demography, International Migration Review, International Review of Applied Economics, Journal of Developing Areas, Social Science Research, Sociological Forum, World Development and as book chapters published by the Sage Publication and Oxford University Press. She is presently working on a book manuscript, ‘Indian Immigrants in Developed Democracies: A Cross-National Study’, to be published by Routledge as part of the ‘Routledge Studies of Diasporic Peoples’.
Education
Ph.D., University of Maryland-College Park (Sociology)
M.A., Delhi University (Economics)
Teaching Specialties
Population & Development
Social Demography
Statistics
Social Problems
Research Methods
Research Interests
International Migration
Social Inequalities in Education & Health
Labor Market Processes & Outcomes
Affiliations
American Sociological Association
International Union for the Scientific Study of Population
Population Association of America
Recent Publications
- Kulkarni, Veena. ‘Household Extension and Earnings among Foreign Born Asian and non-Hispanic White Households’, Journal of Family Issues, Forthcoming.
- Rukus, Joseph and Veena Kulkarni. ‘Easier Said than Done: Methodological Challenges in Exploring Prevalence of Mental Health Illness among Rural Jail Inmates in the United States’, International Journal of Rural Criminology, Forthcoming.
Kulkarni, Veena, Vani S. Kulkarni and Raghav Gaiha. ‘Has Disability Risen among the Elderly in India?’, Economic and Political Weekly, Forthcoming. - Kulkarni, Veena and Douglas F. Barnes. 2017.‘Education in Rural Peru: Exploring the Role of Household Electrification in School Enrollment’, Journal of Research in Rural Education, 32(10): 1-19.
Mrs. Lavonda Evans
Contact Information
Phone: 870-972-3705
Direct: 870-972-3145
levans@AState.edu
Office: HSS 3141B
Instructor
SCA Club Faculty Co-Advisor
Biography
LaVonda Evans grew up in Missouri before moving to Arkansas. Her master's thesis is titled “Beyond the Rhetoric of Homeschool Socialization: An Analysis of the Parental Perspective”, and she is a homeschool advocate. During her time at ASU, she was a Graduate Assistant in the Sociology and Criminology Department, successfully published in the International Journal of Offender Therapy & Comparative Criminology, and continues supporting the field as a peer reviewer. LaVonda recently received her certification as a Certified Administrative Professional from the College of Administrative Professionals. She is a pioneer member of the Staff Senate P.R.O.P.S. subcommittee at A-State. She resides in Jonesboro with her husband Rodney. They have 5 children: Kasidy, Kristopher, Kody, Kanon, and Kelley, and an American Bulldog named Max. LaVonda enjoys blogging, crocheting, and watching true crime documentaries. Labeled the "department mom" by students and faculty, she is delighted to be a part of an amazing department and is proud to call A-State her second home.
Education
A.A.S. Criminal Justice - Black River Technical College - 2010
A.A. General Education - Black River Technical College - 2012
B.S.I.S. Interdisciplinary Studies - Criminology, Sociology, & Health - Arkansas State University - 2015
M.A. Sociology - Arkansas State University - 2019
Credentials
Certified Administrative Professional (APC) - College of Administrative Professionals - 2023
Courses Taught
SOC 1013 - FYE Making Connections - Sociology & Criminology
SOC 2213 - Introduction to Sociology
SOC 3383 - Social Statistics
CRIM 4243 - Social Justice
CRIM 3183 - Institutional Corrections
CRIM 3423 - Serial Homicide
Mr. Christopher Pitts
Contact Information
Phone: 870-972-3705
Direct: 870-972-3730
cpitts@AState.edu
Office: HSS 3141D
Instructor
Biography
With a diverse background that spans continents, industries, and disciplines, Chris brings a wealth of real-world experience to the study of sociology. Born and raised in Southern California, they were at the forefront of major cultural moments, having attended the first-ever Lollapalooza and Vans Warped Tour festivals. Most of his time was spent surfing, skating, playing sports, or enjoying the day at Mission Beach and the Gaslamp District in San Diego, CA. This was followed by serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, His time as a Marine included Helicopter Mechanic, Crew Chief, and Plane Captain, earning the distinction of "Shellback" after crossing the equator. He also spent time as a marksmanship instructor. This provided a foundational understanding of organizational hierarchy, group cohesion, institutional structures, and an understanding of leadership qualities.
His time in the military offered a passport to the world with time spent in Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Guam, Kuwait, Indonesia, Mexico, and Singapore, Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arabs Emirate, and Bahrain. Following his military service, Chris embarked on a winding and varied career path that provides a rich tapestry of sociological insight. He has worked as a Criminal Investigator and a Court Clerk, gaining firsthand practical experience within the justice system. Chris also held roles as a department manager for Walmart and as an investigator for J.B. Hunt. This professional journey also includes ten years as a professional wrestler, an auto body technician, and a DJ, offering unique perspectives on subcultures, identity, and performance. Transitioning into academia, Chris has worked as a College Admissions Counselor, a Graduate Assistant, and an Administrative Specialist, understanding the structures and challenges of higher education from the inside, giving him a broader well of knowledge and experience to call upon when assisting students. This journey through a multitude of social and professional environments has provided him with practical experience and understanding. Academically, Chris holds M.A. degrees in both Sociology and Criminology. His areas of research focus on childhood development, deviant behaviors, and delinquency / criminal behavior.
Education
A.A.S. Criminal Justice - Arkansas State University Newport - 2011
A.A.S. Applied Science - Arkansas State University - 2011
B.A. Sociology - Arkansas State University - 2022
B.A. Criminology - Arkansas State University - 2022
M.A. Sociology - Arkansas State University - 2024
M.A. Criminology - Arkansas State University - 2025
Courses Taught
SOC 2213 - Introduction to Sociology
Criminology Faculty
Criminology faculty members
Dr. Angelo Brown
Contact Information
Phone: 870-972-3705
Office: HSS 3133
Biography
Angelo Brown received his master's at Arizona State University and his Ph.D. Criminal Justice and Criminology at Washington State University. His research and teaching in criminal justice and criminology are primarily on policy and policing from a comparative and intersectional perspective. Dr. Brown is a member of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and a member of the Pullman Police Advisory Board. He is a research associate for the Division of Governmental Studies and Service, analyzing state patrol data. Outside of work, he enjoys mountain biking, martial arts, camping or just about any activity outdoors and in nature, as he spent many years as a camp counselor with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.
Dr. Stacy Dewald
Contact Information
Phone: (870) 972-3331
sdewald@AState.edu
Office: HSS 3068
Associate Professor of Criminology
Biography
Stacy Dewald is an Assistant Professor of Criminology in the department of Sociology and Criminology. She holds a Ph.D. in Criminology, Law, and Justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She previously worked as a legal investigator for a public defender’s office. Her research focuses on problem-solving courts, policing, and sexual assault.
Education
- 2019 Ph.D. Criminology, Law, and Justice, University of Illinois at Chicago
- 2012 M.A. Criminology, Law, and Justice, University of Illinois at Chicago
- 1998 B. A. Criminal Justice, University of Illinois at Chicago
Research Interests
Problem-Solving Courts; Policing; Sexual Assault
Affiliations
American Society of Criminology (ASC) - Division on Policing
Southern Criminal Justice Association
Midwestern Criminal Justice Association (MCJA)
American Society of Evidence-Based Policing (ASEBP)
Indigent Defense Research Association
Alpha Phi Sigma
Recent Publications
Dewald, S., Honegger, L., DuBois, S., Crndall, M., and Sopcic--Hilderbrand, Jaclyn. (2024). Collaboration of University Research and Problem-Solving Court: Lessons and Perspectives. Criminal Justice Studies, 37(1), 82-98. https://doi.org/10.1080/1478601X.2024.2306351
Honegger, L., & Dewald, S. (2023). Making a Case for Gender-Responsive, Trauma-Informed Mental Health Courts: An Exploration of Participant Trauma Histories. Journal of Forensic Social Work, 7(1), 72–90. https://doi.org/10.15763/issn.1936-9298.2023.7.1.72-90
Dewald, S. (2023). Detectives and technological frames: Integrating technology and social media into everyday work. Policing & Society, 33(1), 111-128. https://doi.org/10.1080/10439463.2022.2064858
Dewald, S. (2022). “So, you can let me look at your phone?”: Detectives obtaining consent to search cell phones. Journal of Criminal Justice & Law, 5(2). https://jcjl.pubpub.org/pub/v5i2ryuircnx
Dr. Margaret Mahoney
Dr. Margaret Mahoney
Contact Information
Phone: 870-972-3705
Biography
Dr. Mahoney (pronouns: she/her/hers) earned her Ph.D. in 2017 from the University of Delaware. Her research and teaching emphases center around gender, crime, and victimization. Her dissertation research examined the concepts of rurality, social control, and victimology. Specifically, she looked at the reporting behaviors of physical assault victims and the response time of police officers to these reported assaults. Dr. Mahoney lives in Minot, North Dakota.
Degree Plans
Current degree plans offered
Internships
Path to the Pack
Request information about department, programs, and enrollment into the criminology and sociology.
Recruiting Application
Dr. Banafsheh Aghayeeabianeh
Contact Information
Phone: 870-972-3705
baghayeeabianeh@AState.edu
Office: HSS 3081
Assistant Professor of Sociology
SCA Club Faculty Co-Advisor
Biography
Dr. Banafsheh Aghayeeabianeh joined Arkansas State University in Fall 2022 after completing her Ph.D. in April 2022 from the University of Kentucky. Banafsheh's work focuses on the influence of sociopolitical factors on young adults and families. In particular, she is interested in the impact of political violence and civil society suppression on youth outcomes. To study this, she uses cross-national approaches. Aside from the research, Banafsheh enjoys teaching, primarily introductory courses. She likes seeing students’ progress in the class and the joy of content.
Criminology & Sociology Student Success
Here we celebrate those students that display exemplary success in college and beyond. Our department focuses on helping our students succeed no matter where their individual walks through may take them. We provide out students with the skills they need whether that be in the classroom, boardroom, or playing field.
2024-2025 Academic Year- Student Athletes
