EMAIL:
tmccoy@roosevelt.edu
CAREER:
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
HOMETOWN:
Black Springs, Arkansas
COLLEGE:
Sam Houston State University
UG MAJOR/MINOR:
Sociology/Political Science
WHY YOU CHOSE THE MAJOR/MINOR:
I actually wanted to major in political science but transferred to a new college and majoring in political science would have taken another semester of courses to graduate. Fortunately, sociology was a great fit for me and the combination paired wonderfully.
EXTRACURRICULARS DURING UG (CLUBS, ORGS, JOBS, INTERNSHIPS, VOLUNTEER WORK, ETC.):
I played college basketball so I had little time for anything else. The experience was invaluable though. I made friendships that have endured to this day AND my education was completely paid for!
WHY YOU CHOSE TO WORK AT ROOSEVELT:
I loved the idea of being involved in a criminal justice program that was in its earliest stages of development. Also, the ideal of social justice captivated me. Coming from the South, all of the universities I had contact with had more of a law and order orientation. Perhaps most important was the city of Chicago, a cultural smorgasbord that I had craved since childhood, growing up in a place with virtually no religious, ethic, or racial diversity. It’s been a fantastic fit for me and one of the greatest experiences of my life.
WHAT PROJECT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON:
The impact of county conservatism on detaining girls who are charged with status offenses.
BOOK YOU’D RECOMMEND READING BEFORE GRADUATION:
Makes Me Wanna Holler: A Young Black Man in America. Also, The Rich Get Rich, The Poor Get Prison by Jeffrey Reimann
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“My conscience won’t let me go shoot my brother, or some darker people, or some poor hungry people in the mud for big powerful America. And shoot them for what? They never called me nigger, they never lynched me, they didn’t put no dogs on me, they didn’t rob me of my nationality, rape and kill my mother and father. … Shoot them for what? How can I shoot them poor people? Just take me to jail.” —Muhammad Ali, 1967, protesting the Vietnam War
PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT…:
I witnessed an actual execution in Arkansas. It only increased the intensity of my opposition to capital punishment.
ADVICE FOR INCOMING/CURRENT STUDENTS:
Get to know your professors personally. Stop by my office. Tell me more about you, where you grew up, your family, and career goals. I love really getting to know my students. You will feel more connected. Establishing a personal connection with a professor has one of the strongest influences on the likelihood a student will continue college.
FAVORITE SPOT AT ROOSEVELT:
Second floor Fainman Lounge overlooking Grant Park.
FAVORITE SPOT IN CHICAGO:
It was crossing the bridge over the Chicago River on Michigan Avenue but that was before the Trump Tower. Now, I would have to say driving north on Lake Shore Drive, south of the city at night.
YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY:
Muhammad Ali. He was willing to risk everything fighting for his political, religious, and social beliefs. Also Bob Dylan—wow, where do I begin? Basically, he changed the course of history through his music. He’s a poetic genius.
CAUSE YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT AND WHY:
Defeating Donald Trump because innumerable civil liberties are in jeopardy should he be reelected.
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED:
Wonderboys starring Michael Douglas, Frances McDormand, Robert Downey Jr. Tobey MacGuire, and Katie Holmes. I’ve actually seen it before but find it worth revisiting. It follows the existential crisis of a pot-smoking college professor in love with a married administrator at his university.
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM:
Chicago Bears
WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE GOING TO COLLEGE:
It’s important to go to class!