Criminal Justice Instructor Shares Real-World Experiences with Students

With almost a quarter of a century of experience as a forensic scientist with the Air Force Office of Special Investigation and other federal law enforcement agencies, students tend to listen when Michael Corricelli, adjunct instructor in criminal justice, relates his many real-world examples in class.

“I tell my students how it actually is in the law enforcement profession by discussing my past cases, court decisions, and life events,” Corricelli said. “I also try to facilitate the exchange of ideas and information instead of simply lecturing.”

Corricelli began teaching at Lebanon Valley in the fall of 2009 and immediately knew he was at the right place.

“I jumped at the chance to teach at LVC because I wanted to teach at a school with high academic standards, and I hold my students to those high standards,” he said.

Many of his students appreciate Corricelli’s teaching style. Rydge Dudley ’18, a sociology major, said, “Professor Corricelli brings knowledge to the classroom from his field experiences. His work in government and law enforcement makes him one of the best professors I’ve had so far.”

Concentrating in criminal justice, Dudley’s favorite class with Corricelli was his crime scene investigation course. Corricelli’s experiences outside of the classroom make his lessons interesting and relevant, according to Dudley.

Dudley plans on applying to graduate school after graduation, then pursuing a career in law enforcement. He feels that Corricelli constantly advises him and other students about the best ways to attain their goals.

“He always offers networking and graduate advice,” Dudley said. “Professor Corricelli instructs how the field actually works and what we need to do now to successfully break into the industry.”

Outside class, Corricelli is a big fan of LVC ice hockey, and enjoys the campus environment and students. He feels the quality of students here makes his job worthwhile.

“It sounds cliché, but I’ve been very blessed with my career and I believe I owe the next generation,” Corricelli said. “I’ve developed professional relationships with a number of students and still hear from some long after their graduation. I like being able to open a student’s eyes to all the potential options for them after their time at The Valley is done.”

 

-Maria Scacchitti ’18 Marketing and Communications Intern