A Legacy of Leadership and Service: Dr. Sherill Morris-Francis

By Dr. Stacey White on Oct. 11th, 2026

The Southwestern Association of Criminal Justice has benefited tremendously from the vision, dedication, and leadership of Dr. Sherill Morris-Francis. Through tireless fundraising efforts, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to the mission of SWACJ, Dr. Morris-Francis has helped strengthen the organization and position it for long term success. Her leadership has not only enhanced the association's financial stability but has also expanded opportunities for students, educators, researchers, and practitioners throughout the region.

One of Dr. Morris-Francis's greatest accomplishments has been her ability to bring people together around a shared vision for the future of criminal justice education. Through effective fundraising initiatives and strong relationship building, she has helped secure resources that will benefit generations of students. Those efforts have enabled SWACJ to continue supporting scholarly research, professional development, conference participation, and student engagement activities that are critical to preparing the next generation of criminal justice professionals.

Beyond fundraising, Dr. Morris-Francis has demonstrated exceptional leadership by fostering collaboration, encouraging innovation, and maintaining a steadfast focus on student success. Her work reflects a deep understanding of the challenges facing higher education and the criminal justice profession, as well as a commitment to ensuring that students have access to the opportunities and support they need to thrive.

Thanks to her dedication and service, SWACJ is well positioned to meet future challenges and continue advancing criminal justice education across the Southwest. The association's strong foundation today is a direct reflection of her hard work, leadership, and vision. Criminal justice students throughout the region will continue to benefit from her contributions for many years to come, making her impact on SWACJ both meaningful and enduring.

Guest Speaker Chief Edgardo "Eddie" Garcia

By Dr. Stacey White on Oct. 11th, 2026

At the 2026 SWACJ Conference, keynote speaker Chief Eddie Garcia delivered a candid and thought provoking assessment of the challenges confronting modern law enforcement. From increasing tensions within communities to the rapid emergence of technologies such as artificial intelligence, Garcia painted a realistic picture of a profession navigating constant change. Yet among the many issues he addressed, one message stood out: social media is no longer merely a communication platform. In the hands of law enforcement agencies willing to engage openly and transparently, it has become one of the most powerful tools available for building and maintaining public trust.

One of the most striking aspects of Garcia's presentation was the attention he commanded from the many college students in attendance. Throughout his remarks, they appeared fully engaged, hanging on each lesson and observation. The reason was not difficult to understand. Garcia's reputation was already well known to many in the audience. Throughout his career, he has repeatedly stepped into departments facing significant challenges and worked to transform them into organizations better connected to the communities they serve. His insights carried weight not because they were theoretical, but because they were grounded in years of leadership, reform, and real world experience. For students preparing to enter the profession, his message served as both a lesson in contemporary policing and a reminder that meaningful change remains possible when leaders are willing to embrace innovation while strengthening relationships with the public.