While many kids in his neighborhood were entangled with law enforcement, Jordan noticed a stark contrast in behavior and opportunities among students at his school. Thanks to his mother’s determination, he attended a school with better resources in a more affluent part of town. “I realized the kids there weren’t getting into trouble like those back home. The system was structured in a way that made it seem like certain kids, mostly from my neighborhood, were always in the wrong. This inequality led me to question the fairness of the system itself,” he recalls.

Now, decades later, Dr. Jordan stands at the helm of PVAMU’s COJJ, armed with more than 20 years of experience in criminal justice, corrections, and educational leadership. His academic journey has taken him from the University of Central Florida to American University, and now back to Texas, where he’s eager to bring his transformative vision to life.

A Vision to Empower, Not Punish

Jordan’s role as both the Dean and Executive Director of the Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center (TJCPC) allows him to address critical issues affecting today’s youth—particularly Black and Latino communities, which are disproportionately represented in the system. “Our college is uniquely positioned to tackle the challenges facing the juvenile justice field in Texas. This includes creating and evaluating intervention programs and expanding mental health resources for justice-involved youth,” Jordan emphasizes.

With a firm grasp of the juvenile justice system’s complexities, Jordan is set on making PVAMU a national powerhouse in this field. He takes pride in the fact that COJJ offers the country’s first doctoral program in juvenile justice. “I want our college to be recognized not just at PVAMU but across the nation,” he declares with a sense of purpose.

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Reality

Dr. Jordan’s research focuses on the intersections of race and justice within the criminal justice system, aiming to expose the cyclical nature of injustice experienced by underserved communities. His scholarly work, featured in prestigious journals such as Race & Justice and Crime & Delinquency, sheds light on the structural factors that contribute to youth delinquency, including poverty, inadequate public education, and a lack of resources in marginalized areas.

“The most underserved communities in Texas—and elsewhere—are more likely to face conditions that lead to delinquency,” he explains. “Factors like poor schooling, low-income jobs, and systemic bias perpetuate the cycle of trouble. And unfortunately, these kids are often perceived negatively by those in authority, whether it’s educators, law enforcement, or social workers. It’s our job to change that narrative.”

Jordan’s approach is clear: work directly with communities to reduce the likelihood of system involvement. By addressing the root causes of youth delinquency, his team aims to build resilient, empowered communities instead of simply punishing troubled youth. “It’s rewarding work,” he adds with a smile. “We’re not just changing minds—we’re changing futures.”

Expanding the College’s Reach

Under Jordan’s leadership, the College of Juvenile Justice has ambitious plans to grow enrollment and broaden its impact. “We want to be at the forefront of juvenile justice reform,” he says. This includes expanding the Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center’s scope across the state to address pressing issues like mental health disparities and the overrepresentation of minorities in the justice system.

His strategic planning efforts will also focus on student retention and recruitment, ensuring that COJJ continues to attract a diverse and talented pool of students who share a passion for justice reform. “Our graduates will be the future leaders of juvenile justice reform, and we have to prepare them for the challenges ahead,” he states.

Building a Legacy of Justice

Jordan’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Prairie View A&M University. As he steers the College of Juvenile Justice into its next chapter, his driving force remains the same as it was when he was a curious child in Philadelphia: a commitment to fairness and an unyielding desire to make the system work for all youth, not just some.

With his combination of academic expertise, real-world experience, and deep-seated passion, Dr. Kareem Jordan is poised to leave a lasting impact—not just on PVAMU, but on the broader juvenile justice landscape.

“I’m just getting started,” he says confidently. And with a track record like his, it’s clear that the future of juvenile justice in Texas is in capable hands.