Monishia “Moe” Miller’s dedication to her students and passion for inspiring future community leaders have earned her recognition as Cal State Fullerton’s 2020-21 Outstanding Lecturer. Miller, lecturer in criminal justice, has taught at Cal State Fullerton since 2011.
The award was announced at the April 8 Academic Senate meeting.
Known affectionately by students and faculty as “Coach Moe,” Miller is dedicated to preparing and equipping students with the critical thinking, writing and communication skills needed for the criminal justice field. Miller teaches courses such as “Introduction to Crime, Law, and Justice,” “Foundations of Criminal Justice,” “Juvenile Justice Administration,” “Theories of Crime and Delinquency” and “Minorities and the Criminal Justice System.”
Miller also has a background as a district school safety officer for Chino Valley Unified School District, a volunteer and community liaison for the Los Angeles and Orange County Probation Departments and a youth advocate for Anaheim nonprofit Higher Ground Youth & Family Services.
Her community work enhances the lessons she provides her students. For example, Miller often sets up community learning activities so her students become comfortable interacting with one another and participating in ways that are similar to duties that occur in the field.
“This award means so much because it’s more than acknowledging my work on campus but about my dedication to make our campus a place for our students to learn and grow,” Miller said. “I am honored to be on the list with so many other outstanding lecturers.”
Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, Irvine, and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from California State University, Los Angeles. Her research interests include juvenile justice reform, trauma and delinquency, youth services programs and school districts’ policies on discipline.
Stacy Mallicoat, professor of criminal justice, said Miller’s extensive field experience makes her a valuable resource for students.
“Her work and experiences, which are rooted in the communities and systems that she serves, provide students with a unique insider view of the criminal and social justice systems,” Mallicoat said. “Students frequently comment on her enthusiastic lecture style as one of the strongest assets of the class. She is always ready to take on a new topic, prep a new course and incorporate new materials into her classes to keep the students engaged.”
Miller’s volunteer work includes serving as a faculty mentor with the university’s Guardian Scholars Program and a lecturers’ representative for the California Faculty Association’s Fullerton Chapter. She has also worked extensively with the university’s Criminal Justice Student Success Academy. She is involved in professional associations such as the American Society of Criminology, Western Society of Criminology, Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Global Youth Justice and National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice.
Miller was previously named Cal State Fullerton’s 2018 Outstanding Lecturer.