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UNO Hosts Fourth Annual Jail Executive Institute: Empowering Leadership in 21st Century Jails

Mark Foxall teaching students at UNO

Mark Foxall teaching at UNO.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) will host the fourth annual Jail Executive Institute (JEI), an innovative program designed to elevate the skills and knowledge of jail administrators nationwide. Scheduled for Sept. 15-20, 2024, the event will take place on UNO’s campus, a fitting setting for the forward-thinking curriculum developed by the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (SCCJ) in partnership with the American Jail Association (AJA).

JEI is more than just an educational opportunity; it’s a critical response to the unique challenges faced by jail executives in today’s complex environment. With issues such as overcrowding, officer retention, mental health crises among inmates, and the integration of innovative technology, the role of a jail administrator requires leadership and a keen understanding of modern management practices. This program is specifically designed to address these needs, providing participants with the tools and insights necessary to lead effectively in a 21st-century correctional environment.

The weeklong in-person session marks the beginning of the JEI experience, offering 40 intensive hours of classroom instruction. National and local experts from various fields—ranging from jail operations and law enforcement to academia and finance—will lead the sessions. These thought leaders will share their expertise on critical topics, including, but not limited to, legal issues, organizational culture, use of force, conflict management, officer wellness, and the impact of social media on jail operations.

Among the distinguished speakers is Michael Meyers, AJA’s 2024 Correctional Administrator of the Year, who will deliver the opening address. His leadership in the field has set a benchmark for jail management, and his insights are expected to inspire and challenge the participants.

The in-person week will culminate in a special dinner and learning session featuring Dr. Samantha Clinkinbeard, assistant dean of CPACS, and Dr. Mark Foxall, a renowned figure in the field of criminology. Together, they will discuss the importance of professional development and the ongoing need for education in maintaining effective leadership within the corrections system.

Hosting this program at UNO allows us to leverage our academic resources and engage with Omaha’s criminal justice and business leaders to create a curriculum that is both comprehensive and relevant to today’s challenges in jail management,”

 Mark Foxall, Community Service Associate, UNO School of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Dr. Foxall, who has played a pivotal role in bringing JEI to UNO, emphasized the value of this collaboration. “Hosting this program at UNO allows us to leverage our academic resources and engage with Omaha’s criminal justice and business leaders to create a curriculum that is both comprehensive and relevant to today’s challenges in jail management,” he said.

Following the on-campus session, the learning continues with six months of virtual meetings, where the cohort will explore various leadership and management topics through monthly 90-minute sessions. This blended approach ensures that participants not only absorb knowledge but also apply it in real time, addressing the persistent challenges they face in their respective facilities.

The program’s culmination will be at the AJA annual conference in Fort Worth, Texas, in May 2025. Here, participants will present their final projects—research papers on critical issues impacting their jails. These presentations will offer a platform for sharing innovative solutions and best practices, further contributing to the field’s collective knowledge.

As JEI prepares to welcome 16 command-level professionals from jails of all sizes across the country, UNO stands proud as a hub for this vital professional development. The university’s commitment to public service and its partnership with the AJA continue to make a significant impact on the landscape of jail administration, ensuring that leaders are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern corrections.