Dr. Joyce Montgomery-Scott, associate professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at Grambling State University, recently received the Icon award for her dedication in her field.
“To be called an icon for your work in your chosen field of study is an honor,” said Dr. Montgomery-Scott, “but to receive it with other recipients that are considered some of the top criminal justice professionals in the country is a very humbling experience.”
Dr. Montgomery-Scott organized the first and largest student chapter at Grambling State University. She also served on the national executive board in charge of all student chapters throughout the country. Two of her former students served as the first two student members on the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice executive national board.
For seven years she organized the Grambling State University student regional conference with over 50 local, state and federal agencies attending. The conferences led to many students receiving jobs with some of the top agencies in the country.
Caryle Holder, NABCJ president, emphasized that the award was a direct result of the dedication, commitment, strength, tenacity, determination, resilience, financial support and hard work of NABCJ members.
“The organization has not only survived, but made a difference and left lasting positive impressions in states, cities, agencies, communities and lives all across these United States and many jurisdictions in the Caribbean and Canada,” explained Holder.
Holder and the members of the executive national board, in commemoration of the organization’s 40th anniversary held on July 24, honored 40 past and present NABCJ members for their contributions.
Over the past years NABCJ has developed into a trusted, credible, respected, stable and relevant criminal justice organization. In the process the members of the organization have built a rich history and strong legacy.
Holder stated that Dr. Montgomery-Scott, a past national executive board member and former Owens-Bell national award recipient, was selected because of her significant contributions not only to the organization but to the field of criminal justice.