Alison Burke is a professor of criminology and criminal justice at Southern Oregon University, where she has taught since earning her Ph.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2008. Over the past 17 years, in addition to teaching and research, Alison has served on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of the Rogue Valley and the Resolve Center for Dispute Resolution and Restorative Justice. Currently, she serves as the Region V Trustee for the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, representing the western states on the Executive Board. Alison also volunteers as a restorative justice community facilitator with the Emerging Adult Program at the district attorney’s office in Deschutes County, Oregon. In 2019, she received a Fulbright scholarship to teach and conduct research in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in 2022, she was awarded the SOU Distinguished Scholar Award. At SOU, Alison developed and lead both the restorative justice certificate program and criminal justice study abroad courses.

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service? 

My decision to pursue a career in public service as a criminology and criminal justice professor grew from a strong commitment to creating change through education, social justice, and community involvement. After earning my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of New Mexico, I worked in youth corrections in Denver for over five years. During that time, I quickly recognized the deep flaws within the juvenile justice system. This experience fueled my passion to address the systemic challenges in criminal justice, and I came to view education as a powerful avenue for change. Teaching gives me the opportunity to equip students with knowledge and critical thinking skills that inspire them to consider justice beyond punishment, incorporating restorative approaches and community-centered solutions.

Serving in an academic role also allows me to engage directly with communities, whether through collaborative projects, restorative justice work, or study abroad experiences. These efforts help connect theory with practice, showing students how their learning can translate into impactful careers in criminal justice. It’s incredibly rewarding to guide students who want to build safer, more equitable communities and to contribute to a field where there is always room for growth and positive change.

What has been most meaningful to you about your career?

One of the most meaningful aspects of my career as a criminology and criminal justice professor has been the opportunity to make a tangible impact on students’ lives and outlooks. Guiding students as they grow into thoughtful, compassionate, and justice-driven individuals is incredibly fulfilling. It’s inspiring to see them become engaged in critical issues, from restorative justice to community-based solutions, and to watch them apply these principles in their own lives.

Additionally, being able to bridge academic knowledge with real-world applications – whether through study abroad programs, restorative justice initiatives, or community partnerships – has been profoundly rewarding. Engaging in projects that support positive change within the justice system and seeing students take those experiences into the field has confirmed for me that teaching is one of the most powerful tools for long-term social impact.

What part of your education at the School of Public Affairs has had the greatest impact on your work?  

The mentorship I received from Dr. Mary Dodge at the School of Public Affairs had the greatest impact on my work. Her guidance and support shaped not only my approach to teaching but also my commitment to addressing the deeper issues within the criminal justice system. Dr. Dodge inspired me to view criminology through a broader lens, one that includes advocacy and systemic change. Her influence has been invaluable in helping me develop as an educator who empowers students to question traditional practices.

What is your favorite memory of the School of Public Affairs?  

A favorite memory of mine from the School of Public Affairs is attending engaging classes and discussions led by professors who were truly experts in their fields. The environment was both inspiring and challenging, and I enjoyed learning from classmates, many of whom were already working in criminal justice field as police and probation officers. Those conversations, particularly with mentors like Dr. Mary Dodge, sparked ideas that continue to influence my teaching and approach to criminal justice today.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest challenges that your field faces?

Looking ahead, one of the greatest challenges in criminology and criminal justice is tackling systemic issues within the justice system, including mass incarceration, racial disparities, gender equality, and the urgent need for comprehensive reform. Striking a balance between public safety and approaches that emphasize rehabilitation and restorative justice remains an ongoing challenge, particularly as communities seek alternatives to traditional punitive models.

In today’s increasingly polarized political climate, it will also be crucial to advocate for society’s most vulnerable members and to apply restorative and transformative justice principles to heal harm and bridge divides. This approach is essential for ensuring that all individuals are treated with fairness, humanity, and empathy.

What advice would you give to current students and professional development program participants at the School of Public Affairs?

My advice to current students and professional development program participants at the School of Public Affairs is to remain curious, open-minded, and proactive in seeking out opportunities for both learning and growth. Engage with real-world issues, ask questions, and be willing to challenge conventional thinking. It’s important to connect theory with practice, whether through internships, volunteer work, or collaborating with faculty on research projects.

Take full advantage of mentorships and networking opportunities, as these connections can be invaluable in shaping your career. Building relationships with professors, peers, and professionals in the field will provide insights and guidance as you navigate your path.

Remember that the field of criminal justice and public affairs is constantly evolving. Stay adaptable and embrace lifelong learning. With your education from the University of Colorado Denver, you will gain the wisdom, insight, and critical thinking skills to paint a more complete picture of the world you want to live in. A world of compassion, equality, and hope. A world that you want for yourselves, for your children, and for your children’s children.

Finally, be kind. We are all imperfect and messy, and the criminal justice system often interacts with individuals during their most difficult and vulnerable moments. Approach others with empathy and strive to bring more kindness into the world. Ask yourself the question: What do I want my world to look like? Go out there and make it happen.