Dr. Jason B. Willis, a Rochester native
Program Director
Dr. Jason B. Willis, a Rochester native, has a doctoral degree in Education Administration & Supervision from Jackson State University in Mississippi. Over the last fifteen years, he has taught Introduction to Criminology, Crime & Violence, Race and the Criminal Justice System, and Juvenile Justice at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He taught high school General Education/Special Education in the New York City School District (Spanish Harlem). Additionally, he educated youth at Rankin County Juvenile Detention Center in Rankin County, Mississippi. Dr. Willis has obtained degrees in African American Studies and Sociology (Bachelors), Education K-12 (Masters), and Education Administration and Supervision (Doctorate) throughout his academic journey.
Dr. Willis’ teaching and learning pedagogy is steeped in the plight of youth from marginalized communities. His research and professional work interests include, but are not limited to, African Diaspora & African American Studies, Educational Policy, Critical Race, Social Justice, Evaluation/Evidence-Based Practices, and Restorative Justice & Juvenile Justice.
Program Coordinator
Dr. Kevin C. Norton comes to the University of the District of Columbia as an experienced criminal justice reform professional. His last assignment was in Intergovernmental Affairs in the Office of Communication, Office of Justice Programs at the Department of Justice. He was a Policy Advisor for the Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships for the Department of Justice. Dr. Norton assisted senior leadership in coordinating between the White House and the Department of Justice’s outreach efforts to internal and external partners and stakeholders. Before Dr. Norton’s federal service, he spent nearly 13 years as a chaplain in the United States Navy. He has also been a community advocate with the DC Community Prevention Partnership and the National Capital Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking. Both organizations focused on preventing violence and substance abuse among young people in Washington, DC, and the nation.
Dr. Norton earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music (Voice Performance/Choral Conducting) from Stillman College, a Master of Divinity degree from Howard University School of Divinity, and a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership and Management from Webster University. Dr. Norton earned the Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University.
Dr. Kevin C. Norton