June 30, 2026
The Mizzou College of Health Sciences has named Julie Hibdon as director of its Criminal and Justice Studies program. She joins the School of Social Work as an associate professor and brings extensive experience in program leadership, research and student mentorship.
Hibdon comes to Mizzou from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she served as a professor of criminology and criminal justice. She also led graduate programs for master’s and doctoral students.
Her experience and perspective fit well with Mizzou’s interdisciplinary model, which situates criminal and justice studies within the College of Health Sciences alongside social work and public health. That structure was a major factor in her decision to join the university.
“There were a few things about the program and the university that really impressed me,” Hibdon said. “Being housed with social work and within the College of Health Sciences really helps facilitate the development and innovation of the program through potential course offerings as well as possible collaborations for research in this field.”
Hibdon’s research focuses on evidence-based approaches to preventing and responding to crime and disorder issues, with an emphasis on community partnerships and place-based strategies. Her work reflects a broader shift in the field toward solutions that extend beyond traditional criminal justice systems.
“Over the past several years, there has been a tremendous shift in the field that is focused on evidence-based and comprehensive approaches that go beyond just actions from criminal justice agencies,” she said. “This is a unique time in our discipline to expand and grow our knowledge and educational products to better serve our communities with more effective and comprehensive solutions.”
Hibdon hopes to build on the program’s rapid growth by broadening course offerings and strengthening partnerships with community organizations. Those relationships, she said, are key to creating meaningful learning opportunities for students.
“Our faculty have already done a phenomenal job building those connections,” she said. “I would like to continue to build on that work in order to help facilitate classroom, internship and research opportunities for students and faculty.”
Aaron Thompson, director of the School of Social Work, said Hibdon’s relevant experience and collaborative approach made her an ideal fit for the program’s next phase.
“Julie is a highly experienced scholar and leader, and we are excited to work with her on this quickly growing program,” Thompson said.
Looking ahead, Hibdon said she’s excited to help develop graduates who are prepared to navigate a rapidly changing field shaped by new technologies, policies and public expectations.
“My hope is that the program continues to grow and produce students who are passionate and well equipped to serve their communities,” she said. “I want students who are interested in any type of career path related to criminal and justice studies to feel that their experience in our program has benefited them and helped prepare them for their career — whether that is law enforcement, victim advocacy, corrections or even research — to help establish and promote best practices.”
