معرفی
Steven T Keener serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology at Christopher Newport University and directs the Center for Crime, Equity and Justice Research and Policy.
His educational credentials include a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, an M.S. in Criminal Justice from the same institution, and a B.A. in Political Science with minors in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Christopher Newport University.
Dr. Keener's research centers on the intersection of mental health and criminal justice systems, with specialized focus on prison reentry processes and criminal justice policy reform. His work examines how mental health crises manifest within judicial frameworks and correctional environments, particularly analyzing systemic barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrating into society. He investigates policy interventions aimed at reducing recidivism through mental health support systems and equitable justice practices.
His publication trajectory reveals consistent emphasis on mental health crisis response protocols, carceral geography implications, and pandemic-era reentry challenges. Recent works analyze legislative approaches to mental health policing, Virginia's prison spatial distribution, and community-oriented policing effectiveness - demonstrating evolving focus from theoretical frameworks to actionable policy solutions.
Dr. Keener currently leads a Virginia Humanities-sponsored initiative titled 'Strengthening and Expanding Humanities Content at the 2025 Hampton Roads Social Justice Conference' and mentors students in criminology and criminal justice policy courses.
As Director of the Center for Crime, Equity and Justice Research and Policy, he oversees research initiatives connecting academic scholarship with community-based justice reform efforts, emphasizing data-driven approaches to systemic inequities in criminal legal systems.
