Sandra Pavelka

Dr. Sandra Pavelka is a Professor and Founding Director of the Institute for Youth and Justice Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). She holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration with a specialization in Justice Policy from Florida Atlantic University. Her work focuses on restorative justice frameworks, policy implementation, and system reform. She has received prestigious awards including the 2024 Women in Business APEX Award and National Points of Light recognition.

Her research emphasizes restorative justice in legal systems, education, and communities. Notable publications include analyses of restorative justice legislation, prison interventions, and gender-responsive programming. Dr. Pavelka serves on multiple advisory boards including the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Juvenile Justice Board and the U.S. Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus.

Her professional service includes leadership roles in the College of Arts and Sciences and extensive grant-funded projects such as the Ft. Myers Reentry Initiative ($182k) and CJMHSA Planning Grant ($100k). She teaches courses on public policy, juvenile justice, and program evaluation, and maintains an active media presence as a political analyst.