COCJ Doctoral Candidate and Faculty Recognized by International Organization

COCJ Doctoral Candidate and Faculty Recognized by International Organization

Anne Wingert, Danielle Boisvert and Wanda Leal of the Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice (SHSU-COCJ) were recognized by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) and received awards at the 2026 ACJS Annual Meeting, held March 3-7 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Wingert was one of 40 advanced doctoral students selected to attend the ACJS Doctoral Summit during the 2026 ACJS Annual Meeting. In addition to the invitation to participate, the SHSU criminal justice doctoral candidate received a scholarship to cover conference fees and hotel lodging. To be considered, applicants must have at least a 3.5 GPA and submit an application package with a cover letter, curriculum vitae and a letter of recommendation.

“I sought out this scholarship after hearing such positive sentiments shared by my peers and graduate student alumni,” Wingert said. “Attending the summit represents an invaluable opportunity to build professional connections with researchers who share similar interests, learn from the expertise and advice of leading scholars in the field and become more involved in the ACJS community.”

Boisvert has been acknowledged by ACJS for her commitment to students. The COCJ senior associate dean and professor received the 2026 Outstanding Mentor Award, which honors educators who have made a significant contribution to the professional development of criminal justice graduate students and junior faculty.

“I’m very grateful to be selected as a recipient of the ACJS Outstanding Mentor Award,” Boisvert said. “Working with students and colleagues who are committed to making a difference strengthens our discipline and expands our impact. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together and even more proud of the difference they’re making in the communities they serve.”

Boisvert was nominated by four of her former students, Jessica Hull, Eric Cooke, Matthias Wockener and Rick Lewis, all of whom now serve as faculty at universities across the nation.

"Many mentors emphasize simply ‘getting the job done.’ Danielle certainly instilled in her mentees the importance of accomplishing the task at hand, but she went further. She taught us to do the job well, to continually refine our knowledge and skills and to remain mindful of how our work shapes the lives of others,” said Hull. “Danielle has profoundly influenced the careers and trajectories of everyone in her orbit. Those of us who nominated Danielle for this award are deeply grateful for her lasting impact on our lives and careers.”

Leal was awarded the Ken Peak Innovations in Teaching Award for her innovative teaching methods. To be considered, the nominee must be a full-time faculty member in a criminal justice program, in good standing with ACJS and teach criminology or criminal justice courses at a regionally accredited post-secondary institution. As an associate professor of criminal justice and criminology at SHSU, Leal has developed gamified learning tools for graduate-level criminal justice classes, helping students hone their skills as future researchers and educators.

"I am honored to receive the 2026 Ken Peak Innovations in Teaching Award. I care deeply about creating graduate learning environments that are dynamic, engaging and relevant to students’ professional development,” Leal said. “Graduate education should challenge students, but it should also inspire curiosity, creativity and excitement about their future paths."

For more information about the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, visit their website, www.acjs.org.