Dr. Steve Chermak has been named the 11th Director of the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University.
“Being named Director of the School of Criminal Justice is a tremendous honor, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me. This role represents an exciting opportunity to support the school’s outstanding faculty, students, and staff while advancing our shared mission in research, teaching, and community engagement. I look forward to serving the school and working with our university and partners to achieve excellence in all that we do,” said Chermak.
Dr. Chermak joined the School of Criminal Justice in 2005 as an Associate Professor. During this time in the School, he has served on multiple committees, including the School’s Bylaws Committee, Reappointment, Promotion & Tenure Committee, and Curriculum Committee. Dr. Chermak has also mentored dozens of graduate students in the School of Criminal Justice and served as Chair of 15 dissertation committees.
Dr. Chermak’s research interests include terrorism, school shootings, mass shootings, criminal justice organizations, and media coverage of crime and criminal justice. Dr. Chermak played a critical role in building both the Extremist Crime Database (ECDB) and the Risk and Protective Factor Database (RPFD) which have been used by Criminal Justice researchers across the globe. In 2025, Dr. Chermak received Michigan State University’s William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award for his comprehensive and sustained record of scholarly excellence.
Dr. Mahesh Nalla, Interim Director of the School of Criminal Justice, noted that “throughout his academic career, Dr. Chermak has demonstrated a sustained commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and teaching that has significantly advanced the field of criminal justice and criminology. His steady leadership style, collaborative approach, and deep understanding of the School’s mission position him well to guide the unit forward with vision and effectiveness.”
Dr. Chermak will assume the role of Director on January 1st, 2026.