A Legacy of Commitment: Sue Bourke and UC's School of Criminal Justice
How dedicated professors carved a path for future criminal justice professionals
As the sun rises each morning over Teachers-Dyer Complex at the University of Cincinnati, a steady surge of students flows through its corridors—bound for classes like Intro to Criminology, Corrections in America, and Criminal Investigations. But the reach of the School of Criminal Justice at UC goes far beyond the walls of its vibrant complex. Hundreds more students are plugged in online, dissecting the latest security threats to the nation, from asset protection to cybersecurity.
It's a testament to the school's commitment to tackling the ever-evolving challenges of crime prevention and correction. This current reality, however, is no accident. It's the result of a nearly 42-year-long journey that began with the visionary dreams of a few courageous professors—and has since grown into a thriving institution that touches the lives of countless students and communities.
Before the breakthrough
Teachers-Dyer Complex at University of Cincinnati, which houses the School of Criminal Justice. Photo/provided.
The School of Criminal Justice may be a powerhouse of higher education today, but it wasn't always that way. In fact, it all started with just three visionaries: Dr. Edward Latessa, Dr. Francis Cullen, and Dr. Larry Travis. Together, they came to UC with a clear mission in mind: to create a world-class Criminal Justice program that would stand tall among the very best, according to Undergraduate Director and Professor Emeritus Susan Bourke, another key figure in the program’s tenure.
"It was the hard work of those three faculty members [that established this program],” Bourke said.
Bourke herself joined the program’s faculty in 1986, back when it was still called Criminal Justice Technology, and housed in the Department of Criminal Justice. At the time, the program was just a two-year associate's track inside the now discontinued University College.
Dr. Edward Latessa (1955-2022), who led the School of Criminal Justice for over 40 years. Photo/provided.
Though the University College that housed the program eventually closed, Dr. Edward Latessa brought five University College professors to the School of Criminal Justice in 2002. These included Dr. Roger Wright, Jerry Wesselkamper, Steven Beck, Janis Walter, and Susan Bourke herself. Together, their contributions have helped shape the School of Criminal Justice into the formidable institution it is today.
As the years went by, the Criminal Justice program grew and evolved due to the tireless efforts of the faculty members who believed in its potential.
Bourke wins the Dr. Simon Anderson Faculty Award in 2017. Photo/provided.
When it comes to the School of Criminal Justice in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services and Information Technology (CECH), Bourke’s name stands out among her fellow Criminal Justice colleagues. As the program's undergraduate director, Bourke's 37-year-long commitment to her students and the field of Criminal Justice has helped shape the program and the futures of countless CJ professionals.
Today, the program boasts 24 world-class faculty members and in 2022 was ranked the 4th Best in Criminology, 8th Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice program for Veterans, and 9th Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Program by U.S. News and World Report. It offers a full suite of programs from bachelor's to Ph.D. and is now known as the School of Criminal Justice—or CJ for short.
When it comes to the School of Criminal Justice in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services and Information Technology (CECH), Bourke’s name stands out among her fellow Criminal Justice colleagues. As the program's undergraduate director, Bourke's 37-year-long commitment to her students and the field of Criminal Justice has helped shape the program and the futures of countless CJ professionals.
Bourke smiles as members of the School of Criminal Justice and Criminal Justice Society celebrate the scholarship in her namesake. Photo/provided.
The Legacy of Sue Bourke
Bourke and the members of the Criminal Justice Society pose for a photo while on a field trip. Photo/provided.
Throughout her career at UC, Bourke has served as a professor, faculty adviser, and now the Director of Undergraduate Studies within the School of Criminal Justice. Between her many roles, one core principle stayed consistent with Bourke’s contributions—her focus on facilitating a bright future for the students who’ve invested their time into the field of criminal justice. This is especially true with her time spent with student organizations like the Criminal Justice Society, according to club president Zoe Dewitt.
Bourke and members of the Criminal Justice society pose for a photo. Photo/provided.
“Having Sue involved with all of her connections is really great because she [seems to] know everybody,” Dewitt said.
Bourke’s connections were a main facilitator in finding her first internship at the Hamilton County Youth Center, according to Dewitt, who has come to know Bourke as a well-connected mentor.
“Sue is really great about getting to know all of her students. She’ll even reach out to employers for you,” Dewitt said. “She also knows the faculty really well, so she can create those student-faculty connections.”
As far as faculty connections span, Bourke has left her impression on generations of professors and administrators within the program, like J.C. Barnes, the director of the School of Criminal Justice who has observed some of the prominent figures inside the school’s history.
Sue has been instrumental in helping our students reach their potential. She runs and manages our connections in the field. She also has a rolodex of connections from places like UCPD to the highest levels of law enforcement.
J.C. Barnes, Director of the School of Criminal Justice
This rolodex of in-the-field contacts, as Barnes mentioned, sometimes merges with Bourke’s connections within the School of Criminal Justice. One example is Criminal Justice alumnus Roberta Utecht, who is both a Cincinnati police officer and Criminal Justice instructor at UC Clermont.
Utecht and Bourke at Utecht's graduation from the School of Criminal Justice. Photo/provided.
Utecht, who has been instructing students at UC’s satellite campus since 2021, began teaching because of Bourke’s recommendation. Since then, Utecht has been guiding students through courses like Crime Scenes 1&2—which she is proficient in because of her experience with the Cincinnati Police Department.
Utecht has not only helped expand the School of Criminal Justice’s intercampus presence at UC—but she has also added to the catalog of women who have been instrumental in developing the program and adding underrepresented voices to the field, especially women in criminal justice.
“There’s a big push in the Cincinnati Police Department, and in the field as a whole, with women in policing,” Utecht said. “We are starting a ‘Women in Criminal Justice’ group at UC Clermont and we’re about to have our first meeting.”
Warner and Bourke hug after the announcement of the Susan A. Bourke Honorary Scholarship. Photo/provided.
Bourke and Utecht are both trailblazing women in the School of Criminal Justice—especially when making a long-lasting impact. Another prominent figure in this group is Dr. Jessica Warner, a former student of Bourke’s, who is expanding on the example set by the program’s founders, professors, and students.
Warner, who currently teaches as an associate professor in Miami University’s Department of Justice and Community Studies, also places emphasis on uplifting the next generation of criminal justice professionals—a trait she shares with Bourke, a close friend and mentor of hers.
“I love teaching [students] in the classroom because I get to help them realize what is actually happening in the field,” Warner said. “I also get to help them put science and practice together so they can go out and get real-world experience. Giving them that background on why things are and how to change them is what’s so important. We need to prepare them on how to improve the [justice] system.”
Warner’s appreciation for developing the next generation of criminal justice professionals is one that’s been developed since she first met Bourke as an undergraduate—a friendship that’s lasted since Warner’s freshman year at UC.
Sue is the kind of person I emulate. She [constantly] reminds me of what it's like to treat people with kindness. When I think about how Sue approaches teaching, I’m reminded that these are people [we’re dealing with] and we have to approach them with some heart.
Jessica Warner, Miami University Professor
Bourke’s impact on the School of Criminal Justice is immeasurable, as her impact spans across multiple generations of educators and students—from the founders to current undergraduates. Throughout the school’s 42-year tenure, Bourke has carried on the precedents set by those before her, like Dr. Edward Latessa, the original program director.
Latessa’s vision was the catalyst for the following generations of criminal justice professionals, according to current program director J.C. Barnes, who observed his impact on other influential figures like Bourke.
“Ed Latessa and Sue Bourke are some of the biggest influences in this program,” Barnes said. “Sue and Ed worked extremely well together. Where they overlapped was their vision for this program and having not just a big program, but one that’s influential for the students in it. [They are both] some of the most student-centered people I’ve ever met.”
As the School of Criminal Justice at UC flourishes and transforms, it's evident that Bourke's unwavering commitment to carry on the founders' legacy will continue to influence its trajectory. Her pursuit of teaching, research, and service excellence has motivated numerous students and colleagues, and her contribution to the criminal justice realm will reverberate for years to come.
Sue Bourke Scholarship
Bourke smiles in surprise as the Susan A. Bourke Honorary is unveiled. Photo/provided.
In recognition of her contributions to the School of Criminal Justice and the wider community, Bourke has received multiple awards and honors throughout her career. Bourke was previously named a Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, an honor reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of criminal justice through research, teaching, or service.
In 2017, she received the University of Cincinnati Police Division (UCPD) Annual Appreciation Award for her UCPD partnership efforts and crime prevention initiatives around the UC community. In addition to the numerous accolades Bourke has received throughout her career, she has also been the inspiration behind a scholarship dedicated to her. It all started with a conversation between Warner and Utecht, who were looking for a way to extend Bourke’s legacy into the distant future.
Warner speaks on behalf of Bourke during the scholarship announcement. Photo/provided.
“I wanted a way to keep her name here,” Warner said. “I wanted people to have a reminder of what she stands for; kindness and treating people like human beings.”
After some collaboration between Warner and Utecht, the Susan A. Bourke Honorary Scholarship was born. Dedicated to Bourke’s everlasting impact on the program, the scholarship is given to current criminal justice students who are undergoing in-the-field experience. By applying, and potentially winning the scholarship, students get the opportunity to learn more about the rich history of the School of Criminal Justice.
Community Involvement
Bourke's dedication to the School of Criminal Justice extends beyond her work in the classroom and on campus. She has been actively involved in the wider Cincinnati community, working with local organizations to improve the justice system and address local issues like student safety around UC.
As the faculty adviser for the Criminal Justice Society, Bourke and the group worked to spread safety awareness to students and residents around campus—posting door hangers and flyers that provide tips for keeping your car or residence safe from crime. For the group’s efforts in local crime prevention, along with the group’s youth tutoring initiative, the Criminal Justice Society was awarded the Crimestoppers “Crime Prevention” Award from UCPD and CPD—which rewards those who have shown a dedication to improving their communities.
A Congratulations to Sue
Thank you. Sue, you’ve done more for this university and the students that have come through these doors than many faculty could say. You’ve impacted the lives of so many people. I’m just grateful for your commitment to the university, the department, and the students.
Dr. Jessica Warner, Miami University Professor
When I don’t have much time to say how important Sue is, I usually say: We have about 800 students at a time in our undergraduate program. I’m fairly certain that Sue knows every one of them by name and knows each of them personally. That’s the kind of thing that Sue brings to this program, and it’s so important.
J.C. Barnes, Director of the School of Criminal Justice
What a legacy, Sue. I’m proud of you and you’ve had so many people that’ve recognized your efforts. Well done.
Karl Langhorst, adjunct Criminal Justice professor
Next Lives Here
The School of Criminal Justice, located in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology, is a dynamic and innovative program committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. The School of Criminal Justice offers a range of certificates, undergraduate, masters and doctoral programs to prepare students for their futures in the field of criminal justice.
Whether you’re interested in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, or another area of criminal justice, the University of Cincinnati is dedicated to providing students with a lucrative education that combines theory and practice.
Visit the School of Criminal Justice website today and learn more about starting your career in criminal justice. To learn more about planning out your future in CJ, schedule an appointment with a CECH admissions counselor.
Featured image at top: Bourke smiles as she's handed a plaque noting the Susan A. Bourke Honorary Scholarship.
Photos by Jason Carter, CECH Marketing
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