Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Faculty Chair
Office Location
AF Gray 313
Biography
Corey Falls is an accomplished leader, educator, and consultant with over 25 years of experience in local government, higher education, and business. He currently serves as Associate Professor, Faculty Chair, and Criminal Justice Program Lead at Warner Pacific University, where he integrates best practices in safety, social justice, and data-driven evaluation into his teaching and mentorship. His public-sector career includes leadership as Deputy City Manager for the City of Gresham, and Sheriff of Jackson County, roles in which he managed multimillion-dollar budgets, led large teams, and championed equity-focused reforms and community safety initiatives.
As President of 21st Century Management Solutions LLC, Corey provides consulting in leadership, culture change, workplace investigations, and mediation. He has presented nationally on policing reform and evidence-based practice, and was recognized as a Law Enforcement Advancing Data & Science Scholar with the National Institute of Justice. Active in community service, he serves on the Board of Directors for Rockwood Community Development Corporation and volunteers locally as a mediator. Corey holds an M.A. in Organizational Management, a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education, and executive education credentials from Harvard Kennedy School, and the FBI National Academy. He is completing a Doctor of Education at Gwynedd Mercy University, with research interests in restorative justice, reconciliation, and conflict resolution inspired by his service work in Rwanda, Africa.
Education
Doctor of Education Candidate: (EdD) Gwynedd Mercy University (2027)
Certificate – Executives in State & Local Government: Harvard Kennedy School of Government Executive Education
Post-Master’s Certificate General Business (ABD): Northcentral University
Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education: University of Virginia
FBI National Academy
M.A. Organizational Management: University of Phoenix
B.S. Health & Human Performance: University of Montana
Courses Taught
Criminology, Criminal Justice Administration, Policing Reform in a Social Justice Movement (co-developed and taught), American Legal Systems, American Government, Restorative Justice, Conflict Resolution, Social Problems/Public Policy, Sociology, Urban Sociology, Race & Ethnic Relations, Human Resources Development, Exploring the Human Condition, and Introduction to Business
Areas of Expertise
Organizational Leadership & Executive Management
Public Safety, Criminal Justice & 21st Century Policing
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) & Social Justice
Strategic Policy, Governance & Public Administration
Conflict Resolution, Mediation & Investigations
Research Interests
Reconciliation, Conflict Management, Underreporting of Sexual Assault, Social Justice
Presentations
Presenter, Culture & Context: Historical Inequities that led to Racism, Northwest Public Employees Diversity Conference, 2018 Portland Oregon.
Presenter, 21st Century Policing, OR/WA City Managers Conference, 2017 Welches, OR.
Presenter, Procedural Justice and Police Legitimacy, Oregon Department of Public Safety Joint Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Fall Conference, 2016, Salem, OR.
Presenter, Southern Oregon University Equity and Inclusion Forum, 2016, Ashland, OR.
Presenter, Southern Oregon University Race Awareness Week Keynote Speaker, 2016, Ashland, OR.
Presenter, Sexual Assault Reporting and the You Have Options Program, End Violence Against Women National Conference, 2015, New Orleans, LA.
Presenter, Sexual Assault Reporting, End Violence Against Women State Conference, 2014, Phoenix, AZ.
Presenter, Differences Between Sheriff’s Office and Police Departments, Southern Oregon University Guest Speaker Criminal Justice Class, 2014, Ashland, OR.
Presenter, You Have Options Program, Response Systems Congressional Panel – Comparing Systems for Investigations, Prosecutions, and Defense of Sexual Assault Cases, 2013, Austin, TX.
Research and Academic Accomplishments
Honors: International Business Honor Society, Lambda Eta Chapter (Top 20% of Students)
National Institute of Justice – Selected for Law Enforcement Advancing Data & Sciences Scholar Program (2018 – 2021); program develops research capacity to advance and integrate science into law enforcement policies and practice.
Collaborated with Portland State University to research and determine impact of mental illness on public safety.
Partnered with Oregon Health & Science University students to research service level of deputies working with Latino populations
Professional Affiliations
FBI National Academy Associates
Police Executive Research Forum
Association of Workplace Investigators
Oregon Association of License Investigators
Oregon Mediation Association
National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Professionals
Community Engagement / Service
Volunteer Mediator – Clackamas County Dispute Resolution Services
Board Member – Rockwood Community Development Corporation
Contributor – Africa New Life Ministries
Past Vice President NW Region Chapter – National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Volunteer – Easthill Church
Favorite quote
Be Strong & Courageous