"When you're working with severe mental illness, it's utterly impossible not to have some brush with the criminal justice system,” says Jada Hector, a licensed professional counselor and visiting assistant instructor in the 91Ƭ߹ۿ of Louisiana at Lafayette’s online criminal justice program.
She’s seen that intersection from every angle: in courtrooms, crisis response teams, and community mental health agencies. She brings that real-world insight into her virtual classroom.
Hector used in CJUS 311: Crime and Mental Health and partners with the on efforts to better connect mental health services with the justice system.
“My goal is to best prepare students for whatever their future career might be. I want them to leave with a well-rounded understanding of the system.”
Teaching with Perspective and Passion
If you picture a criminal justice degree leading straight to a badge or a job with the FBI, Hector wants to expand that view.
“The biggest misconception is that everybody’s going to be a cop,” she says. “And when they take my class, everybody assumes they’re going to work for the FBI. But the gray area between those two options is vast.”
That “gray area” is where Hector does her best work and where many students find new direction.
Some come in planning to work in law enforcement. Others discover a passion for behavioral health, social work, forensics, or advocacy.
“We have graduates working in child exploitation victim services. We have someone who went from airport security to a leadership role in Homeland Security,” Hector says. “Graduates like Heaven Rodrigue have gone on to pursue their PhDs.”
“The paths in criminal justice are just limitless.”
Through her courses, Hector blends psychology and criminal justice to help students understand the “why” behind criminal behavior and the systems that respond to it.
“The department covers a range of topics. If you’re passionate about music, we’ve got a class for that. Sports? There’s a class for that, too. I’m teaching what I’m passionate about, and students can feel that. That’s what makes it click.”
Connecting with Online Students
Hector knows going back to school isn’t easy. Many of her online students are balancing full-time jobs, family life, or coming back after years away.
But she sees that determination as one of their biggest strengths.
“Some haven’t been in school for 20 years. Some are here for a promotion, but many say, ‘I want to finish this for me,’" she says. “That kind of motivation is inspiring.”
That drive, she says, is often what sets successful students apart.
“One of the biggest skills you’ll need in the online criminal justice program is communication. If you’re struggling or have even the smallest question, ask. Don’t wait until the end of the semester,” she says.
Her advice? Start strong. Read your emails. Know your deadlines. Make a plan.
“The first week of class, read all the emails, the material, and set up a schedule,” says Hector. “Let’s be honest, it’s not tough. But when students fall behind, that’s when the tower crumbles.”
She sees the difference when students fully engage — not just in their grades, but in their thinking.
“Some students will email me and ask what they can do for their community or how to get involved,” she says. “When the material matters to them, I feel like I did a good job. That moment when the lightbulb goes off is everything.”
That kind of curiosity, and the range of interests students bring to her courses, is helping shape the direction of the program itself.
Hector is building out a behavioral health concentration and developing a new course that uses true crime podcasts to explore scams, fraud, and the psychology behind them.
“We're coming up with criminal justice elements to dismantle the stereotype. There’s so much more out there than just being a cop or working for the FBI.”
Expanding Horizons in Criminal Justice
Hector wants students to feel confident not just in what they’re learning, but in where it can take them.
Whether you're changing careers, starting fresh, or coming back after time away, she encourages you to reach out and ask questions.
“Talk to one of us. If you’re not sure how to change your major or what a criminal justice degree can look like, we’ll help you figure it out.”
Learn more to find out what doors an online criminal justice degree can open for you.