Addressing Violence in the U.S. Public School System

Over the past several years, American educational institutions have seen an increase in violence in general, but more specifically, gun violence by students. There have been many theories as to why American schools have become places of fear instead of institutions of learning. Moreover, the root causes of the increased violence that is occurring in our schools must be explored if our society is going to save our greatest resources, our children. Addressing Violence in the U.S. Public School System discusses how violence has played a significant role within the educational system. Covering key topics such as mental health, bullying, grief, and trauma, this premier reference source is ideal for industry professionals, policymakers, administrators, government officials, researchers, academicians, scholars, practitioners, instructors, and students.

Jeffery Herron is an Associate Professor and Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator of the School of Education at Campbellsville University. A published author, Dr. Herron’s research interests include family and community partnerships, child development, cultural diversity, African-American families, non-residential fathers, juvenile delinquency, and poverty.

Dr. Sharon Renee Sartin is currently a full-time Associate Professor in the Social Work Program in a Christian faith-based university, Campbellsville University. She has been a dedicated employee of the university since 2013 and serves as a full-time online instructor for MSW and BSW students. Before joining Campbellsville University, Dr. Sartin held the position of Assistant Professor at Kentucky State University (KSU) for four years, after retiring from the Cabinet for Health and Families Services in the Department for Community Based Services as one of nine Service Region Administrators in the state of Kentucky. During her time at KSU, she taught undergraduate courses and served as the Field Director. Her experience in academia allowed her to impart her knowledge and expertise to aspiring social work professionals. Dr. Sartin serves on the National Association of Social Workers – KY (NASW) Board of Directors and has been for six years. Dr. Sartin's journey as a grief mentor is deeply personal. As a mother who tragically lost her son to gun violence, she has firsthand experience with grief and its impact on individuals and families. This personal loss has motivated her to become involved in grief mentoring services and support for others who are going through similar experiences. She, along with her family, initially founded "From Grief to Growth" to provide support and guidance. She later expanded her involvement by volunteering with First Hour Grief Response, where she received training to become a grief mentor and coach. Building on her training, experience and passion, Dr. Sartin has co-founded an agency called "Always Improving More." This agency specifically focuses on providing grief mentoring and coaching services to individuals in need living in Louisville. Their goal is to offer comprehensive support by addressing not only grief but also the surrounding challenges that hinder personal growth. The agency aims to connect individuals with necessary resources and assistance to overcome obstacles and move forward in their healing journey.

Joseph Budd , Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, teaches at the Louisville Education Center of Campbellsville University. Dr. Budd is also the Program Coordinator for the Master’s in justice Studies program. Dr. Budd was a law enforcement officer in Georgia after serving 11 years in the United States Air Force and is a veteran of the first Gulf War. Dr. Budd’s first policing job was in a small town of fewer than 1000 people; there he had the opportunity to meet people and practice community policing. He then transferred to a larger department where he was an investigator working many types of cases and meeting diverse individuals. Dr. Budd’s last law enforcement job was at a sheriff’s office working as a deputy sheriff with a focus on traffic offenses, especially DUI’s. Dr. Budd earned his Bachelors and Master’s degree from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia. His original research thesis was “An Analysis of Citizen Perceptions and Satisfaction with the Nashville, Georgia, Police Department.” Dr. Budd received his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Ashford University. His doctoral dissertation was: “An Analysis of Learning Styles of Criminal Justice Students Enrolled at Three Undergraduate Colleges Across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.” Dr. Budd enjoys playing ice hockey and cycling in his spare time along with spending time with his children and grandchildren. His research interest includes law enforcement use of force, community policing, bullying, and deviant behavior. Dr. Budd is an active member of the Southern Criminal Justice Association