The University of the District of Columbia will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. The university will reopen on Monday, June 22.
Rhonda Heard Dickens, J.D., is an Assistant Professor of Criminology at the University of the District of Columbia Community College, with extensive experience in legal education, criminal justice, and student mentorship. A dedicated educator and researcher, she focuses on examining flawed legal decisions, enhancing experiential learning opportunities, and advancing curriculum development in legal and law enforcement studies.
Experience
Education
Juris Doctorate, Howard University School of Law
Roles
Assistant Professor, UDC-CC, 2022-Present Criminal Justice Lead: DC OSSE CTE, UDC-CC, 2024 Member, Student Academic Hearing Committee, UDC-CC, 2023-24 Member, Curriculum Committee: Legal Assistant Program, UDC-CC, 2022-24 Member, Dean’s Fellowship: CTE Institute, UDC-CC, 2023 Member, Law Enforcement Program Advisory Board, UDC-CC, 2023-Present Adjunct Professor, Criminology, UDC-CC, 2015-22 Member, Criminal Justice Board, CTE Programs, UDC-CC, 2022-Present
Courses Taught
Community Policing Criminal Behavior Criminal Justice Systems Criminology Criminal Procedure Conflict Resolution and Mediation Dynamics in Human Relations First Year Seminar Independent Study Issues in Criminal Law Investigations Justice Issues in Society Juvenile Justice
Expertise
Annual 12-Hours of Continuing Legal Education, Virginia State Bar, 2001-Present Moot Court Judge, Phi Alpha Delta National Legal Fraternity, 2024 University Online Teaching Certification, 2020 Volunteer Attorney, Alfred Street Baptist Church Legal Resources Ministry, 2019 Private Practice Attorney, 2005-22 Volunteer Attorney, Women Empowered Against Violence, 2002-04 Legal Mentor, Duke Ellington of the Arts High School, 2001-03 Court Appoint Special Advocate (CASA) for Abused and Neglected Children, 1996-98
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Counseling and providing guidance to criminal justice students for retention and those seeking career opportunities; examining flawed legal decisions and their impact on civil rights; the evidentiary impact of the Daubert rule in antitrust cases
Leadership
Member, Virginia State Bar, 2001-Present Co-Director, Law Enforcement Program Advisory Board, 2022-Present Lead Criminal Justice Presenter, CTE Professional Development Day, UDC-CC, 2019 Acting Chair, Westwood College, 2013
Impact
Selected Presentations
Dickens, R.H. (2025). Criminal justice and experiential learning opportunities. Spring 2025 Professional Development Day, Washington, D.C.
AT&T Foundation. (2022). Criminal justice project at UDC-CC.
Recognitions
Presenter, Professional Development Day, UDC-CC, 2025 Lead Presenter, CTE Professional Development Day, UDC-CC, 2019 Outstanding Academic Excellence, School of Justice, Westwood College, 2015 Captain, National Moot Court Team, Howard University School of Law Best Oralist, Howard University School of Law
