Forensics Journal - Stevenson University 2011 | Page 7

FORENSICS JOURNAL

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

The study of forensics is relatively new and still rather novel as an academic discipline. At the time that Stevenson
University established the forensics programs, we had few firm ideas or principles upon which the program would
be based, and these were in an embryonic stage of development. The founding dean, Joyce Becker, provided not
only the inspiration for forensic studies at Stevenson but also some concrete beliefs. It would be a practice degree
primarily rather than a research-based program, but it seemed essential to build in a capstone thesis similar to
those of traditional master’s degrees.
Why not, Becker suggested, create something like the “law review” experience in schools of law? Carolyn Johnson,
the primary instructor for the thesis course, not only contributed to this basic premise but also took charge of the
project in her classes. The students who produced the best work would be invited to improve upon their seminar
papers as potential articles for the Journal.
Soon forensic science students were invited into the review to join their forensic studies colleagues. The result has
been successful beyond even our most optimistic projections, and we are now ready for the second installment of
the Forensics Journal.
Stevenson University aspires to be a national leader in career education, and this scholarly product stakes a claim
to be recognized as the premier publication of its kind. On behalf of the entire Stevenson University community,
I congratulate all the students, faculty, and staff members who have had a hand in this fine pioneering work.

Paul D. Lack, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

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