Department of Government and Justice Studies

Dr. Wayne J. Pitts joined the Department of Government and Justice Studies as an Associate Professor in 2026. He earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of New Mexico, with concentrations in criminology, political and comparative sociology, and quantitative research methods.

Dr. Pitts brings more than 20 years of experience as a researcher, educator, and nonprofit executive. Before joining Appalachian State University, he served as a tenured Associate Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Memphis and as a Senior Research Scientist at RTI International. In that role, he directed large-scale research and evaluation projects for federal agencies, including the U.S. Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, State, Defense, and Labor.

His research spans criminal justice policy, corrections, policing, juvenile justice, reentry, substance use, and program evaluation. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and funded grant proposals, with a strong focus on translating rigorous research into evidence-based policy and practice. His current interests include policing and institutional reform; migration and crime; community violence prevention; comparative criminal justice systems; applied and mixed-methods research; data-informed governance; problem- solving courts; and rural and regional justice systems.

Beyond academia, Dr. Pitts has held executive leadership roles in the nonprofit sector and remains actively engaged in community service through board leadership, grant development, and cross-sector partnerships that strengthen communities across northwestern North Carolina. A native of western North Carolina, Dr. Pitts has deep roots in the region and a longstanding connection to Appalachian State University. Outside of work, he enjoys beekeeping and spending time with his grandsons.

Areas of Expertise & Interest:

• Policing
• International criminal justice
• Immigration
• Crisis intervention
• Latin America
• Study abroad

Education:

• Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. May 2003
• M.A. Sociology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. May 1995
• B.A. Anthropology and Sociology, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee. May 1991

Courses Taught:

• Statistical Methods in Criminal Justice
• Research Methods in Criminal Justice
• Causes of Crime
• Deviant Behavior
• Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
• Social Problems
• Criminal Justice Administration
• Intervention Strategies
• Race, Gender, and Special Populations in the Criminal Justice System
• Corrections
• Crime, Public Policy and the Criminal Justice System
• Intro to Criminology/Criminal Justice
• Latinos in the Criminal Justice System
• Comparative Perspectives on Latin American Criminal Justice
• Statistical Methods in Urban Affairs & Public Policy
• Social Research Methods I & II