Paul Donnelly

Dr. Paul Donnelly is a Professor of Criminal Justice and Director of the Criminal Justice Program at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), where he has served since 2013. With over three decades of professional experience, he has held executive roles in criminal justice agencies, including Executive Director of the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission, Deputy Director of the Texas Commission on Children and Youth, and Assistant Secretary for the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. He is a certified expert witness in juvenile justice administration, having testified before the U.S. Congress and state legislatures. His international consulting work includes engagements in the UK, Argentina, Estonia, and Poland.

Donnelly holds a BA in Sociology from Biola University, an MS in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Tyler, and a PhD in Criminology from the University of Texas at Dallas. His research focuses on juvenile justice reform, corrections, and systemic dynamics in criminal justice agencies. He has taught at UT Dallas, UT Arlington, and Texas Christian University before joining OBU.

He is professionally affiliated with organizations such as the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, American Society of Criminology, and National Juvenile Detention Association. His expertise spans forensic psychology, probation, parole, and policy development in criminal justice systems.