Brunson, McGloin Elected to Future Leadership of American Criminology Society
Two members of UMD’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJS) have been elected to future leadership positions of the American Society of Criminology (ASC). Professor Rod Brunson will serve as the president of the renowned international organization, and Professor Jean McGloin will serve as vice president, beginning in 2027.
The ASC is dedicated to advancing scholarly, scientific and professional knowledge related to the measurement, causes, effects, prevention, control and treatment of crime and delinquency.
“This election by ASC peers underscores both Brunson and McGloin’s leadership in the field of criminology and criminal justice, and also the global impact of CCJS, which has long been recognized as the number one criminology program in the nation, and in the world,” BSOS Dean Susan Rivera said.
Brunson, who is also the chair of CCJS, has been an active ASC member since 1997, serving in numerous roles including executive counselor and editorial board member. Brunson’s research focuses on police-community relations, gun violence, and public safety strategies that maintain community trust.
McGloin, who also serves as associate dean of faculty affairs in BSOS, has been an active ASC member since 2000. She is a former executive counselor who has served on numerous ASC committees and editorial boards. McGloin’s research centers on peer influence, co-offending, and street gangs.
This election is especially meaningful to Brunson and McGloin because of ASC’s history of impact and significance in the field.
“The ASC is well positioned to help safeguard the futures of early-career scholars by developing purposive mentoring initiatives, and advocating for the organization to expand its already prominent role by providing desperately needed research support on important public safety matters. This is critical funding that has become increasingly difficult to obtain from other sources,” Brunson said.
Looking ahead, Brunson said that a major goal of his ASC presidency will be to promote a climate that values diplomacy, innovative thinking, constructive criticism, transparency, and respect.
“I will insist that we tirelessly invest in, and live, ASC’s core values, strengthening the organization’s relevance within policy- and community-focused circles. Valuing all voices has been a hallmark of my previous leadership roles, a practice that I will continue as ASC President,” Brunson said.
McGloin is looking forward to her new leadership role in the ASC, noting that the organization holds great significance in the field of criminology, and beyond.
“At the moment, ASC is probably most impactful through its publications and its annual conference. Both offer the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary research related to an array of crime and justice issues. The conference also brings key stakeholders together for important conversations, provides a forum for collaboration, and offers junior scholars the chance to find a wider network of mentors,” McGloin said. “I believe there is an opportunity for ASC to leverage its position to have a greater impact with the general public.”
Considering the field of criminology broadly, Brunson said there are many changes on the horizon, as well as great potential for meaningful progress.
“I am both excited and anxious about growing technological advancements in research. In particular, I celebrate researchers’ increased ability to quickly and efficiently process big data. At the same time, however, I worry that an overreliance on machines may unwittingly exacerbate social and intellectual distance between scholars and ‘boots on the ground,’ local stakeholders who are directly and disproportionately impacted by crime—the very people who possess unique expertise for informing public safety matters,” Brunson said.
McGloin said the work and collaborations fostered by the ASC are vital to promoting a safer, more just, more equitable society.
“One of my primary goals is to elevate and defend the critical roles of higher education and science on behalf of my colleagues in the ASC. The academics, researchers and practitioners that comprise the ASC are experts in their domains, and I aim to support the outward communication of such expertise at a time when it is desperately needed. I hope that in doing so, I act as a representative for the breadth and diversity of our membership,” McGloin said.
Published on Mon, Aug 25, 2025 - 11:36AM