Laura Finley

Biography

Laura Finley, associate professor of sociology and criminology, earned a BA in Secondary Education (1994), an MA in Education and Professional Development (1999), and a Ph.D. in Sociology (2002), all from Western Michigan University. The courses she teaches include introduction to criminology, theories of deviance, critical issues in criminal justice, sociology of violence, elite and organized crime, and perspective consciousness and social justice. Dr. Finley is the author or co-author of seven books on various social justice topics. She regularly presents at professional conferences on issues related to peace, human rights, and social justice, and has published numerous articles and book chapters on these issues. She is also a community activist, serving with several non-profits to provide services to victims of domestic violence and essential human rights. Her current work is focused on peace education in colleges and universities.

Research Interest

criminology, theories of deviance