LaVarr McBride
Hopwood,PA
Summary
Dedicated and student-centered Professor with extensive expertise in Criminal Justice. Over a 34-year career, I have successfully supported students, developed instructional plans, organized and graded exams and tests. Recognized for maintaining an effective learning environment through well-prepared classes, relevant assignments, and consistently achieving classroom management and academic goals. Experienced in academic research, curriculum development, and student mentorship. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results in changing academic environments. Excel in classroom instruction, scholarly writing, and fostering a positive learning atmosphere. Known for reliability and driving educational success through innovative teaching methods and collaborative projects. Developed skills in critical thinking and problem-solving within an academic setting. Demonstrated ability to guide and mentor individuals, fostering an environment of growth and learning. Seeking to transition into a new field to leverage transferable skills for effective contribution.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Teaching Professor, Program Coordinator
Penn State University
08.2011 - Current
- Enhanced student understanding by designing interactive and engaging lectures.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students.
- Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation
- Developed Scenario Based techniques, tailored to a diverse learning style, enhancing student comprehension.
- Advised students on academic planning, career goals, internships, research opportunities, and graduate school applications to foster successful outcomes postgraduation.
- Expanded program offerings by proposing new courses based on current trends within the field of study.
- As the Chair of Faculty Senate; streamlined administrative processes for academic department, resulting in more efficient operation and resource allocation.
- Advised Respondents in Title iX campus violations
Consultant: Victim and Restorative Services
Victim Outreach Consulting, LLC (Owner)
04.2008 - Current
- Part time consulting
- Evaluated client needs and expectations, in the court system including defense counsel, prosecuting attorneys, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement.
- Developed and maintained strong client relationships, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and repeat business.
- Managed cases in both state and federal court, and through the United States Military Commissions, and Pentagon, Washington, DC., and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
- Provide assistance to high schools in aftermath of school violence and shootings.
Host
Cold Case Beaver County
01.2012 - 07.2014
- Video Show Host for a series working with TV producers and professionals in the field of Criminal Justice in cold case investigative reporting for series.
- Hosted over a two-year period of time for 20 episodes of cold cases in Western Pennsylvania
- Conducted insightful interviews with guests, fostering open dialogue and memorable conversations.
- Promoted upcoming episodes through social media platforms, driving anticipation and viewer engagement.
Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator
Weber State University - Criminal Justice
07.2008 - 08.2011
- Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
- Evaluated student performance through comprehensive assessments, identifying areas of improvement and providing targeted feedback for growth.
- Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of subject matter by attending conferences, workshops, and webinars relevant to the field of study.
- Contributed to departmental goals by serving on various committees focused on curriculum development, assessment strategies, and accreditation requirements.
- Mentored students and communicated internship and employment opportunities.
- Increased academic achievement by providing one-on-one mentoring and support to struggling students.
- Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
- Inspired critical thinking skills among students by fostering a learning environment that encouraged open-mindedness, curiosity, and intellectual exploration.
- Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts.
Management Analyst and Training Specialist, Administrative Office
Administrative Office of the United States Courts
04.2001 - 08.2008
- Managed training programs of the Federal Defender Office which included the National Habeas Corpus Death Penalty seminars and the National Institute for Trial Advocacy Programs
- Managed the training budget for death penalty training programs nationally, Stewardship over several employees that were part of a team organizing and implementing the training events
- Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing best practices in management analysis. Performed detailed financial analyses to support budgeting decisions and resource allocation efforts within the company.
- Served as a subject matter expert on management analysis principles, providing valuable counsel to stakeholders during critical business planning sessions.
- Optimized project management practices by conducting comprehensive assessments of project plans and timelines, ensuring timely completion of deliverables without compromising quality standards or exceeding budgets.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased productivity.
- Presenter - sponsored by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, speaking to various audiences within the federal judiciary on corrections and the client
- Assisted in the development of programming for female offenders dealing with sexual abuse nationally for federal offenders
- Promoted to a Management Analyst and was tasked with the redesign of the Guide to Federal Judiciary Policy and Procedure
- Directing program offices at the Administrative Office, in the development and dissemination of policy and procedure to judiciary employees nationally. Budget preparation and management for various projects, including the review of invoices and negotiating contractual agreements
- Managed focus groups nationally for policy and procedures review and input
- Completed Project Management Certification in Washington, DC, in 2007.
Senior United States Probation Officer and Training Officer
States Probation
03.1992 - 04.2001
- Supervised and conducted investigations with offenders to reduce risk to community.
- I was promoted to senior probation officer in 1996
- Maintained compliance with all legal statutes, policies and procedures.
- Proficient in using the federal sentencing guidelines and testified in court numerous times on my investigative reports prepared for the courts, and defense counsel and United States Attorneys
- Established productive relationships with local law enforcement agencies, enhancing information sharing and cooperation.
- Managed the training program for all federal probation officers in the District of Utah Developed and
- Managed an employment program educating federal clients in maintaining employment and finding community service opportunities
- Committee member for the development of policy and procedures for the probation office
- Coordinated with the clerk’s office in the District of Utah working with the clerks of the court, and judges on joint training
- Peer Review Team for our District and search committee for new employees
- Supporting victims in helping them feel more informed and part of the process for those defendants on supervision
- Lead in community advisory group of social services available in the Salt Lake Valley working with our office in providing services to men and women offenders.
Adjunct Instructor
Weber State University, College of Social
09.1993 - 10.2000
- Taught and developed curriculum in criminal justice, evaluate, design innovative teaching methods, advise students, coordinate and direct the internship opportunities.
Pretrial Release Officer
Weber County
11.1990 - 05.1993
- Sheriff’s Office, Jail Division, Utah Conducted interviews with arrestee’s.
- Determined eligibility for being released on their own recognizance or ability to obtain bail.
- Managed departmental budgets effectively, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for necessary equipment and training.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations to the courts.
Parole Officer and Correctional Officer
Utah State, Utah State Department of
06.1985 - 03.1992
- Prison Correctional Officer
- Worked in maximum security (death row), medium security, and assisted with inmate services, i.e. treatment, visits, job skills training.
- Prepared presentence investigations and supervised intensive supervision to drug and sexual offenders.
- State probation office representative at all parole board hearings.
- Member of special joint task force with federal and state law enforcement in violent crime and undercover drug investigations.
- Testified in court proceedings as an expert witness on behalf of assigned caseloads, providing valuable information for judicial decisions.
- Conducted regular field visits to verify compliance with curfew restrictions and other court-ordered conditions.
- Provided ongoing guidance and mentorship to parolees, contributing to their long-term success and reduced likelihood of recidivism.
Victim/Witness Coordinator
Weber County District Attorney Office
09.1985 - 01.1986
- I worked with victims of crime in cases that appeared in state court
- I interviewed, assisted with treatment recommendations, and crisis counseling
- Promoted collaboration among team members to provide holistic support to crime victims and their families.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to ensure seamless coordination during investigations and court proceedings.
Education
Master's - social sciences, emphasis in sociology, public administration and economics
Utah State University
Logan, Utah06.1993
Bachelor's - science in Criminal Justice; Minor in Psychology
Weber State University
Ogden, Utah06.1989
Skills
- Critical thinking
- Program management
- Customer service
- Lecturing
- Train-the-trainer
- Learning management styles
- Policy analysis
- E-learning platforms
- Organizational development
- Virtual training
Service Activities and Speaking Opportunities
- Program Coordinator, Penn State Fayette, Criminal Justice Department, Fall 2019 - Present,
- Jail Task Force, Fayette County, Uniontown, PA
- Crime Victim Center for Fayette County, PA, Executive Board Member, Vice-President, 10/22 - Present
- Advisor: Student Club (Criminal Justice)
- National Organization for Victim Assistance (2022, 2020, 2019, 2018) – Speaker on victim advocacy and restorative justice.
- Crimes Against Children National Conference (2021) – Presenter on childhood trauma and resilience.
- United States Army, Fort Benning (2020) – Keynote speaker on victim resilience.
- Multiple National Conferences & Law Enforcement Trainings – Expert trainer on trauma-informed policing, victim advocacy, and mass violence prevention.
Awards
- Excellence in Teaching Award, Pennsylvania State University, New Kensington campus, 2016
- Man of the Year Award, Weber County Human Services, 2008
- Faculty of the Year Award; Davis county Campus, Weber State University, 2008
- Service award; Administrative Office of the United States Courts; Redesign of the Policy and Procedures Manual, 2008
Scholarly And Research Activity
Published Author:
- Book: Through a Convict's Eyes: An Overlooked View of the Criminal Justices System, 2013, Kendall Hunt Publishing, 9781465219923, 4050 Westmark Drive, Dubuque, IA, 52002, 12/30/24,
- Book: Standing in the Dark: Struggles and Hope for Victims of Violent Crime, 2020, Kendall Hunt Publishing, 9781465242198, 4050 Westmark Drive, Dubuque, IA, 52002,
- Peer Review Article: McBride, LM, Accountability and healing, Civic Institute Center, Sexual Assault Report, 24, 4, 03/01/21, McBride, LM,
- Officer Suicide in America, Monthly Publication, Western Region of Probation and Pretrial Services, 2000,
- Teaching assistance grant from Scheyer Institute to begin a prison program in Restorative Justice., Developing and implementing the 'Bridges to Life' program.
Timeline
Host
Cold Case Beaver County
01.2012 - 07.2014
Associate Teaching Professor, Program Coordinator
Penn State University
08.2011 - Current
Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator
Weber State University - Criminal Justice
07.2008 - 08.2011
Consultant: Victim and Restorative Services
Victim Outreach Consulting, LLC (Owner)
04.2008 - Current
Management Analyst and Training Specialist, Administrative Office
Administrative Office of the United States Courts
04.2001 - 08.2008
Adjunct Instructor
Weber State University, College of Social
09.1993 - 10.2000
Senior United States Probation Officer and Training Officer
States Probation
03.1992 - 04.2001
Pretrial Release Officer
Weber County
11.1990 - 05.1993
Victim/Witness Coordinator
Weber County District Attorney Office
09.1985 - 01.1986
Parole Officer and Correctional Officer
Utah State, Utah State Department of
06.1985 - 03.1992
Bachelor's - science in Criminal Justice; Minor in Psychology
Weber State University
Master's - social sciences, emphasis in sociology, public administration and economics
Utah State University
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