Education
M.S. in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University
B.S. in Law Enforcement from Jacksonville State University
Biography
Mrs. Lynda Howard Woods, a published author, was born and raised in the State of Alabama. She is a retired Lieutenant of the Birmingham (AL) Police Department. During her 29 ½ years of public service, she worked in various aspects of the police department. Her assignments included Patrol, D.A.R.E., Communications, Crime Scene Investigations (CSI), Accreditation, and Administration, which included Payroll and Hiring. During her career, she was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and numerous letters of commendation. She also won medals during her participation in the Police/Fire Olympics.
While serving with the police department, Ms. Woods also served honorably in the military. During her military career, she participated in various missions including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. During this time, she performed duties in three continents and numerous countries around the world. After completing her military obligations, she retired from the Alabama Air National Guard with many military medals and several letters of commendation.
At Talladega College, Mrs. Woods completed several certifications including the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) effective teaching practices. She has built relationships with several criminal justice agencies and is dedicated to enhancing the lives of her students. Her favorite biblical quote is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13.
Research Interests
Mrs. Woods’ research interest includes policing in America and police reform. She, along with colleagues, published a textbook entitled “Police Reform, A Historical and Contemporary Analysis.”
Courses Taught
Intro to Criminal Justice
Criminal Procedures
Criminal Investigations
Intro to Juvenile Justice
Drawing on her multifaceted experience in both law enforcement and the military, Mrs. Woods brings a unique perspective to the classroom. Her approach emphasizes the importance of integrity, critical thinking, and a commitment to community service. She is known for integrating real-world scenarios into her teaching, inspiring students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. Through mentorship and advocacy, she encourages her students to pursue excellence both academically and professionally, fostering a learning environment rooted in respect and lifelong learning.
