Jacksonville, AL –Jacksonville State University’s Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation will begin 2019 with a fresh change of surroundings. The department made a major shift in the week prior to winter break and has found its new home in the Ramona Wood Building, situated on Trustee Circle next to Angle Hall.
The department for a long time was housed at Brewer Hall, a structure which dates back to 1972. originally designed for The Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy as well as it was the site of the previous JSU School of Law Enforcement. After the demise of Fort McClellan Army Base located at Fort McClellan in 2005, the university purchased the building 3181. As the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy relocated from Brewer Hall to JSU McClellan, the Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation department continued to be located within Brewer Hall.
The recent move into the Ramona Wood Building comes as part of a larger reshuffle of campus spaces. In the wake of the College of Education and Professional Studies moving to the former location that was Kitty Stone Primary School the fall of 2023, also known as the CEPS Complex The chance arose to officials from the Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation to acquire this empty Ramona Wood Building.
The Dr. Dean Buttram, professor and director of the department Dr. Dean Buttram, professor and head of the department, spoke about the growth the department has seen since the launch of the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation in the year 2017. This expansion has led to an increase in the number of students, faculty members and courses offered. In addition, exciting new degree programs are being developed, and could help keep the department on its upward path.
Recognizing the need for more space In recognition of the need for more space, President Killingsworth generously offered the chance to the department to relocate into the recently vacant Ramona Wood Building. This is not just addressing the department’s desire to expand, but also strategically places it at the center of the campus and is surrounded by the vibrant campus life.
It was Dr. Buttram expressed optimism of the future, saying, “We can’t wait to find out what the future has in store for the future of our institution!” The move to the Ramona Wood Building positions the Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation for expansion and prominence at Jacksonville State University.
The dean’s office of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences is located situated in Brewer Hall, along with the Department of Social Work and the Department of Sociology and Political Science The campus community is looking forward to an open house that is scheduled the spring of this year. At this event the faculty, students and guests will be able to visit the new buildings and experience the newest developments happening in the Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation.
