Stefan W. Vaughn, Ed.D.

Instructor

Born in Germany, Stefan W. Vaughn, Ed.D, grew up in Florida. After earning his bachelor's degree in project management from Northwest Florida State College in 2011, he earned his master's degree in administration and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of West Florida. In a career spanning more than 20 years, he has served in a variety of criminal justice, academic and senior leadership capacities.

Vaughn and his wife, Dr. Shelby Vaughn, relocated to Texas in 2019. In his spare time, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and their precocious puppy Django, a 130-pound Doberman Pinscher.

A Conversation with Dr. Vaughn

What draws you to your discipline?

I have a passion for administration in organizations and helping others learn the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to become great leaders. Leadership can be observed in many different forms, and the results of poor leadership can have a profound impact upon the health of an organization and its members. As such, I believe it is critical we continue to develop and expand these skill sets within ourselves and others.

What has been your favorite course to teach?

My most favorite course to develop and teach is Implicit Bias in Criminal Justice. As the former head of a criminal justice organization, I know the value that developing cultural competence and awareness of biases has on the success of the public safety mission. This course provides opportunities for students to learn through awareness and transformation in both their personal and professional lives.

Tell us about a project you are currently working on or recently completed.

We are currently developing a cultural competence certificate program. In the modern world, cultural competence is such a critical and valuable requirement for success. This program will consist of minor coursework and learning experiences designed to help develop competencies in the areas such as justice for all.

Educational Background

• Ed.D., Curriculum and Instruction, University of West Florida, 2018
• Ed.S., Curriculum and Instruction, University of West Florida, 2016
• M.S., Administration, University of West Florida, 2014
• B.A.S., Project Management, Northwest Florida State College, 2011

Research Interests

• Organizational leadership
• Criminal justice and public safety
• Adult education

Selected Publications

Goulette, N., Johnson, K., & Vaughn, S. (2018). Exploring judicial discretion and correctional policy in the practice of violation of probation holds in one unique county facility in Northwest Florida. Corrections: Policy, Practice, and Research. doi.org/10.1080/23774657.2018.1547889

Vaughn, S. (2015). Research and razor wire: A primer on ethical research protections for prison populations. Journal of Research and Advanced Studies, 2(3), 41- 44.