March 5, 2026
The School of Social Work will celebrate the launch of its new bachelor’s degree in Criminal and Justice Studies with a special event from 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15. The evening will feature a panel discussion in 104 and 105 Clark Hall, followed by a reception in the Clark Hall lobby.
The event highlights Mizzou’s commitment to preparing future professionals for impactful careers across the criminal justice system — spanning law enforcement, courts, corrections, behavioral health and community-based services.
Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners are invited to attend. With questions or to request accommodations, contact Ashley Givens at givensa@health.missouri.edu.
Featured panelists
Mizzou is thrilled to welcome four expert panelists representing diverse roles within Missouri’s justice system.
Isaac Morelock
Corrections Officer
Moberly Correctional Center
Isaac Morelock has served nearly two years with the Missouri Department of Corrections and is part of the Missouri Prison Transformation Project. He was recently named Moberly Correctional Center Employee of the Year for 2025. Morelock brings firsthand insight into modern correctional practice and institutional transformation.
Lieutenant Scott Alpers
Columbia Police Department
With 17 years of law enforcement experience across two agencies, Lt. Alpers has served in patrol, DWI enforcement, community outreach, internal affairs supervision, academy instruction and more. He currently leads the Patrol Support Bureau, overseeing school resource officers, the traffic unit, airport police, the homeless outreach team and park police. His leadership experience reflects the evolving responsibilities of municipal policing.
Meckenzie Hayes, MSW, LCSW
Employee Trauma Response Coordinator
Missouri Department of Corrections
A 2017 graduate of the Mizzou School of Social Work, Meckenzie Hayes brings more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice. As part of the Department of Corrections employee health, wellness and support team, she oversees trauma-informed crisis response strategies and employee wellness initiatives statewide. Her background includes community mental health, case management, project management and public policy.
The Honorable Casey Clevenger
Treatment Court Commissioner
13th Judicial Circuit
Appointed in 2015, Commissioner Clevenger presides over a wide array of treatment courts including Adult Drug Court, DWI Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Treatment Court, Co-Occurring Court and Family Treatment Court. A former assistant prosecuting attorney, she has extensive experience in cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, substance use and impaired driving. She serves in multiple state and national leadership roles, including as the American Bar Association Judicial Outreach Liaison for Missouri, and has received national recognition for her treatment court’s excellence.
About Criminal and Justice Studies
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal and Justice Studies combines courses in criminal law, social work and community engagement to prepare students for a career in law enforcement, corrections or social services. Graduates will be equipped to address complex issues in the justice system and make a positive impact on justice-involved and at-risk populations.