Johnny Rice II

Dr. Johnny Rice II is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of Criminal Justice at Coppin State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Baltimore. He also serves as a Research Fellow at the Bishop L. Robinson Sr. Justice Institute, leading student research on firearm possession among young Black men. With over 24 years of experience in leadership roles across child welfare, youth development, and criminal justice sectors, Dr. Rice has held significant positions at the Vera Institute of Justice, Maryland Department of Human Services, and Center for Urban Families.

• Education:
  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore (1995)
  • Master of Science in Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore (1997)
  • Doctor of Public Health (Violence Prevention Focus), Morgan State University (2011)

Dr. Rice’s research bridges Epidemiological Criminology, Public Health, and Urban Sociology. His work examines firearm violence, intimate partner violence, and the socio-emotional impacts of community trauma on marginalized populations. Recent publications focus on the geospatial determinants of violence, perpetrator engagement strategies, and intersectional dynamics of victimization in Black communities.

His funded research includes:

• National Collaborative on Gun Violence Research/TMCF grant (2021–present): Site Lead-Investigator for “A Dangerous Recipe: Ingredients Contributing to African American Gun Violence”
• NIH-funded “PAIRS Studies” (2022–present): University Site Lead Investigator comparing firearm-related intimate partner homicide in Texas and Maryland

Scientific Awards:

• Faculty Excellence in Research Award, Coppin State University (2022)
• Distinguished Alumni Award, Morgan State University (2016)

Dr. Rice actively contributes to scholarly discourse through memberships in the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), American Public Health Association (APHA), and Scholars Strategy Network (SSN). His work emphasizes community-based solutions, trauma-informed care, and policy reform to disrupt cycles of violence.