Alumni Spotlights
Dr. Jason Michael Williams, Ph.D., is a Full Professor of Justice Studies at Montclair State University and a nationally recognized, award-winning scholar-activist whose work advances social justice through research, public engagement, and policy advocacy. A proud graduate of New Jersey City University, Dr. Williams earned both his Bachelor of Science (Class of 2008) and Master of Science in Criminal Justice (2010), and served as a graduate assistant during his master’s studies.
Dr. Williams credits his academic foundation at NJCU, particularly his experience in the Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP), as instrumental to his success. OSP supports students from historically underrepresented backgrounds through academic guidance, leadership development, and mentorship, helping prepare graduates to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Throughout his career, Dr. Williams has held faculty appointments at Montclair State University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and John Jay College of Criminal Justice. His scholarship and teaching focus on criminal justice policy, race and crime, restorative justice, and critical policing. His research and advocacy have contributed to meaningful youth justice reform, including involvement in the passage of New Jersey’s Restorative and Transformative Justice for Youths and Communities Pilot Program, which funds community-based alternatives for youth. He also leads public education initiatives on harm reduction and drug policy across Northern New Jersey.
Dr. Williams’ commitment to bridging theory and practice is reflected in his service with the New Jersey Judiciary and the Passaic County Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement Committee, as well as his leadership in restorative justice hubs and gun violence reduction initiatives. He currently serves on the Passaic County Juvenile Justice Commission and the New Jersey Coordinating Council on Restorative Justice, providing expert guidance on policy and practice.
A prolific scholar, Dr. Williams employs qualitative methods to examine race, gender, policing, prisoner reentry, and social control. His fieldwork in Ferguson and Baltimore following the deaths of Michael Brown and Freddie Gray has informed national conversations on community experiences with policing. He is co-editor of Black Males and the Criminal Justice System, Abolish Criminology, and Survivor Criminology.
Dr. Williams has received numerous honors, including the New Scholar Award from the American Society of Criminology, the Becky Tatum Excellence Award and Dedicated Service Award from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, and a proclamation from the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners. His work has been supported by major grants from organizations such as the Open Society Foundations, and he is frequently featured in national media outlets including The New York Times, Newsweek, and USA Today.
Dr. Williams exemplifies the transformative impact of NJCU and the Opportunity Scholarship Program, and remains deeply committed to equity, social justice, and public service.
An author as well as a creator, Diego recently published his first book “The Rhythm of Doing”, a book aimed at helping others discover their own rhythm. His work extends beyond personal projects; he is deeply committed to community building. Through initiatives like The Vault, 3R Studios, and immersive experiences, Juan brings people together, fosters collaboration, and gives back to the communities that inspire him. More recently, he participated at NJCU's Open House as a guest speaker. His dedication to uplifting our current students is underscored by the filming of his very own documentary series featuring NJCU and the journey that inspired him along the way.
Diego's career embodies a philosophy of creativity with purpose, leveraging art, media, and storytelling to empower others while building spaces for connection, exploration, and growth.
