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New criminal justice professor brings real-world experience in public service, jail administration

As enrollment in Liberty University’s criminal justice program continues to rise, the school has welcomed a new face to its teaching roster this fall.

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Major Amanda Trent has brought her strong background of real-world law enforcement and corrections experience to the classroom. She has served in multiple law enforcement roles, including as deputy sheriff for the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office; a lieutenant in a professional standards unit, where she investigated deaths, complaints and other incidents; and as a division commander and certified jail manager for the Western Virginia Regional Jail in the city of Salem.

The transition to the classroom is a natural fit, she said.

“Throughout my 24-year career in public safety, I have taken every opportunity to instruct, whether it be in the training academy, professional conferences, community, church or basic academy,” she said. “I feel like that love of educating and passion for teaching has always been God-given and more importantly, a way to edify Christ.”

Trent served as an adjunct professor for Radford University for three years, teaching introductory criminal justice courses and criminological theory. On top of her position at Liberty, Trent is also serving University of Lynchburg and Roanoke College in adjunct roles, teaching classes that address women in criminal justice, comparative correction, comparative law enforcement systems, and more.

“We could not be more pleased to have Major Amanda Trent join the Helms School of Government,” said Dean Robert Hurt. “At a time when the brave men and women of law enforcement could not be more important to the peace and prosperity of our nation, we are proud to welcome our newest professor to share with our students a lifetime of accomplished law enforcement and public service experience.”

He added that Trent “truly has a heart for criminal justice.”

“I know she will be a blessing to and an outstanding role model for the next generation of young men and women who will pass through our Helms School criminal justice program.”

In 2007, Trent was one of nine individuals who shaped the vision for the Western Virginia Regional Jail, which was built to accommodate overpopulation at the surrounding jail facilities in Roanoke County, Salem, and Franklin County. Trent consulted with engineers, hired staff, managed training academies, and ordered uniforms, firearms, and ammo, among other general duties.

“Amanda Trent was instrumental in bringing Western Virginia Regional Jail from concept to reality, and I am confident that she will bring this innovation to the Helms School of Government Criminal Justice team,” said Dr. Joel Cox, the Criminal Justice Program Chair. “Major Trent has a servant’s heart and desire to mentor our students. She will bring real-world criminal justice system experience to the table. I fully trust she will exceed expectations.”

Amanda Trent alongside Department Chair for Criminal Justice Dr. Joel Cox (left) and Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Dr. Larry Presley (right)

In her first semester at Liberty, Trent has taught Juvenile Justice, Criminal Justice Report Writing, and Criminal Justice Ethics.

“I consider it a blessing that that passion for teaching, love of the Lord, and my professional experience can come together to train the next generation of criminal justice practitioners at Liberty,” Trent said. “It is amazing what the Helms School of Government is doing to bring their students experiential learning opportunities, and I cannot wait to be a part of that. I love engaging with the students and building meaningful, supportive relationships with these young adults and assist them as they chase after God’s plan for them.”

Liberty offers a residential B.S. in Criminal Justice, helping students pin careers in crime scene investigation, homeland security, juvenile justice, and more. The growing online programs in criminal justice offer degrees from the certificate to doctoral levels, including a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, with professional careers in Criminal Psychology, fire administration, strategic intelligence studies, and more. First responders are eligible for a generous tuition discount toward their online studies.

 

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