Graduate Student Alumni Spotlight

Criminal Justice MS

Student Name: Raychel Hall

Program: Master's in Criminal Justice with a focus on Public Administration

Graduated: 2016

Employer: Andrews Center

Position: Lead Crisis Intervention Specialist

Why did you choose to attend UT Tyler?

I chose UT Tyler because of the ratio of students to professors. The criminal justice program is newer and the students benefit from very small classrooms.

What are your career aspirations?

My long term career goals build on this desire to bring continuity of care to clients with mental health issues who come in contact with the criminal justice system, and I eventually hope to teach this to other students.

What's your work experience?

In my previous position I worked for Avail Solutions as a crisis manager. In this position, I worked closely with law enforcement to facilitate psychiatric care for clients in crisis. My prior degrees are in psychology, and this position offered me a unique opportunity to combine my two passions. Officers are often criticized for mishandling mental health issues, and I was very fortunate to be able to assist in opening communication among these diverse fields of service.

In my current position I serve individuals who have an intellectual disability or developmental delay (such as Autism) when they are experiencing a behavioral crisis. Our primary goals are to decrease out of home placements (hospitals, group homes, or jail) and to assist the family in things like skills training, antecedent strategies and de-escalation. 

Do you have any advice to pass along to other students interested in this program?

I'm not sure any advice I have would be novel, but I do encourage you to reach out to your professors when you're struggling. They expect your very best, but they will go above and beyond to equip you to reach those goals.

Find out more about our Criminal Justice program