Two criminal justice alumni were honored in the 2024 College of Arts + Sciences "20 Under 40" list in the 2024.
Class Notes 2025
Deanna Dwenger
Deanna Dwenger (B.A. ’08, Criminal Justice, Psychology) earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, specializing in correctional and forensic psychology. After interning with the Federal Bureau of Prisoners, she joined the Indiana Department of Correction in 2013, serving in various roles from clinician to supervisor and most recently as executive director of behavioral health.
This January, Dwenger will become chief behavioral health advisor at Elevatus Architecture, applying her expertise to integrate behavioral health into the design of education, health, and justice spaces, fostering environments that are both functional and emotionally supportive for the user.
Nick Ackerman
Nick Ackerman (B.A. ’13, Criminal Justice) is a youth justice strategist for the Indiana Supreme Court. His career in youth justice began in 2015 at the Monroe County Circuit Court, where he spent six years working directly with system-involved youth as a case manager at a runaway and homeless youth shelter and as a juvenile probation officer.
In his current role, Ackerman focuses on statewide reform, partnering with local jurisdictions to develop and implement policies and practices that better serve young people. His work aims to improve outcomes for youth who encounter the justice system, equipping communities to provide effective, age-appropriate, and compassionate support.
Shelley Bizila
Shelly Bizila, has been named Indiana University’s vice president for research compliance. Shelley Bizila is a nationally recognized leader in research compliance with decades of experience supporting IU researchers,” IU Vice President for Research Russell J. Mumper said.
“She has led many critical divisions of the Office for Research Compliance and has proven adept at collaborating successfully across multiple units at IU and with other institutions of higher education on highly sensitive matters.
Read more about her appointment here.
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