Sep. 8, 2026
This is part of a series of Q&As introducing faculty who have joined the College of Health Sciences for the 2026–27 academic year. Meet all of our new faculty members.
Julie Hibdon
Associate professor and program director, Criminal and Justice Studies
What classes are you teaching this semester?
I’m teaching one class, CJS 4980: Applied Research in Justice Systems. The course is designed to help students understand the research process and see how it is applied to questions related to criminology and criminal justice.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. After that, I worked as a probation officer before returning to school to earn a Ph.D. in criminology, law and society from George Mason University. Prior to coming to Mizzou, I was a professor of criminology and criminal justice at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
What drew you to your field — and what brought you to Mizzou?
After working in probation, I became interested in figuring out how to help the system improve. I thought the best way to do that was through research that is meaningful to criminal justice practitioners. I’m happy to be at Mizzou and part of the effort to establish the new Criminal and Justice Studies Program.
What are your research or professional interests?
My research focuses primarily on issues related to crime prevention, victimization and policing. Most recently, my work has focused on using emergency medical services data to help identify crime hot spots, evaluating community crime prevention initiatives and understanding the causes of and potential solutions to police recruitment and retention challenges.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy working with people. In the classroom, I like working with students who are excited about public service and opportunities to make a difference. In my research, I enjoy working with agencies and solution providers to test new ideas that address crime and disorder.
What are you looking forward to this semester?
Probably experiencing my first Mizzou Homecoming. I hear it’s kind of a big deal.
What can students expect from your classes?
My goal is for students to learn. More importantly, I want students in my classes to be challenged to consider how what they are learning applies to their future professions.
Share a memorable moment from your time teaching.
I remember when I was a teaching assistant in graduate school and helped with an undergraduate statistics course. I had a student who was failing after the first exam and could not grasp the material. He started coming to my office hours regularly for about two straight weeks so we could review the course content together.
When the second exam rolled around, he earned a perfect score. It was incredibly rewarding to see his shock and joy when his exam was returned. This was back when everything was still done on paper. The experience changed how he approached the class, and he eventually went on to take an advanced statistics course.
What’s one fun hobby or activity you enjoy outside of work?
I really enjoy going to concerts with my daughter, who is 13. In October, we’re traveling to see her favorite musician, Role Model. It should be fun!
What is your hidden talent?
I’m not sure it qualifies as a hidden talent, but I moonlighted as a DJ when I was in college, a long, long time ago.
Favorite place in Columbia so far?
My family and I have really enjoyed Columbia since relocating here in June. Some of our favorite places so far have been the Columbia Farmers Market, Hexagon Alley and The Kitchen.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
“Setbacks and failures are important for growth. How you respond to them matters.”
That advice came from my mentor in graduate school.
