Today@Sam Article

CMIT And LEMIT Name New Executive Directors

April 3, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

Housed within the Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice, the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) and the Correctional Institute of Texas (CMIT) have recently named the new executive directors of both institutes. 

Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas 

John Ray will be the next executive director of the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT), beginning April 16. 

Ray has served in administrative leadership roles in law enforcement and as an executive director with leadership institutes. Ray, who received his PhD in public affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas, brings more than 40 years of experience to the new role, having worked extensively with law enforcement agencies throughout the state and developed numerous executive level programs for police leaders and executives.  

“We’re thrilled for Ray to join us. His extensive experience will translate into his role here seamlessly, and I’m confident his leadership will make a lasting, positive impact on the future of LEMIT,” Senior Executive Director of the Criminal Justice Center and Associate Dean of the College of Criminal Justice Randy Garner said. 

For more than 30 years, the LEMIT has been committed to providing exceptional education, professional development, research and services to the law enforcement community to inspire excellence in leadership and management for 21st Century law enforcement agencies.

Residing in the College of Criminal Justice at SHSU, LEMIT is one of the largest and most sophisticated statewide preparation programs for police management in the United States and is nationally recognized for its initiatives to develop the administrative, analytical and executive skills of current and future law enforcement officials.  

Correctional Management Institute of Texas 

Christie Davidson has been named the next executive director of the Correctional Management Institute of Texas, effective April 1. 

Davidson previously served as the assistant director of CMIT and has been with the institute since its inception. She came highly recommended by corrections officials, professional organizational leaders and practitioner-based groups from around the state. Her familiarity with the operations of CMIT, as well as her history in working with practitioners and professional organizations, makes her well suited for this new role.  

“Christie Davidson has a long history with the CMIT; something no one else possesses,” Senior Executive Director of the Criminal Justice Center and Associate Dean of the College of Criminal Justice Randy Garner said. “Her tremendous experience and outstanding support of her colleagues in the correctional field will help ensure her success as the next executive director of the institute.” 

The CMIT, created in 1994 and housed in the College of Criminal Justice at SHSU, is charged with developing and delivering professional education, management development and issues specific training programs for personnel in juvenile and adult community and institutional corrections agencies.  

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