Shannon M Barton

Shannon M. Barton is a Professor in the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Criminology and Security Studies at Indiana State University. She has served as the Undergraduate/Graduate Program Coordinator since 2008, dedicating approximately 300 hours annually to program oversight and student support.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati (2000)
• M.S. in Corrections and Juvenile Services, Eastern Kentucky University (1992)
• B.A. in Criminal Justice, Kentucky Wesleyan College (1991)

Research Interests:
Professor Barton's research spans a wide array of critical issues in criminal justice, with a particular focus on correctional staff attitudes, organizational justice, and social support within correctional environments. Her work delves into the psychological and sociological factors influencing correctional staff behavior, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. She also explores juvenile justice systems, criminal justice policy reform, and the application of psychological theories to criminal behavior.

Her recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on understanding the dynamics of correctional institutions, including studies on social support among correctional staff, organizational justice views, and the impact of work attitudes on job performance and retention. Additionally, she has contributed to the discourse on criminal justice reform through her reviews and critiques of evidence-based policy initiatives.

Scientific Awards:

• Outstanding Academic Advisor Awards (2017)
• Who's Who in Social Sciences Higher Education (2004)
• Who's Who Among American College Professors (2004)

Grants and Research Projects:

• Co-Principal Investigator, "Prison Climate in Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan" (National Institute of Justice, 2023–2026)
• Co-Principal Investigator, "Indiana State University Interprofessional Rural Behavioral Health Workforce and Education Training (BHWET) Program" (HRSA, $1.5M, 2021–2025)
• Co-Principal Investigator, "Examining Prison Critical Incidents Influence on Physiologic and Perceptual Indicators of Officer’s Stress and Health" (NIJ, $1.9M, 2018–2020)

University and Community Service:
Professor Barton has held numerous leadership roles, including Chair of the University Research Committee and member of various academic and administrative committees. She actively participates in community outreach, serving as a board member for the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility and engaging in educational presentations for local schools and organizations.