ASU Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Receives Honorable Mention Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. Manuel Zamora of the Angelo State University Security Studies and Criminal Justice faculty has been selected for a Distinguished Alumni Award Honorable Mention by the Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) at the University of Houston.

Zamora, who holds a doctorate in social work from UH-University Park, was nominated for the award by fellow Ph.D. alumni for his outstanding contributions to the social work profession.  He and the other award winners will be recognized by the GCSW Alumni Board of Directors at its 20th Anniversary Luncheon on April 26 at the UH Alumni/Athletic Center.

An ASU faculty member since 2011, Zamora is an assistant professor of criminal justice.  He teaches courses in border and homeland security, including international human trafficking, drug policy and drug trafficking, terrorism and counter-terrorism, emergency management planning, weapons of mass destruction and research courses.  He also makes regular research presentations at professional law enforcement conferences and is on the editorial board of the ASU Center for Security Studies’ new publication, the e-Journal of Homeland and National Security Perspectives.

Prior to joining the ASU faculty, Zamora served 30 years with the Houston Police Department (HPD) in a variety of positions, including patrolman, undercover vice and narcotics investigator, supervisory homicide investigator and unit commander of the Special Response Group, Recruiting Division, and Crime Analysis and Command Center.  He also served as section manager, lead researcher and principal investigator for the Planning and Research Division.

As an HPD researcher, he developed curriculum and courses on topics ranging from sexual assault, homicide and robbery investigations, and police sociological perspectives to bio-terrorism, conflict resolution, and police officers and PTSD.  He also received multiple honors and awards, including medals for meritorious service.

In addition to his doctorate, Zamora holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Houston and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.