Lubbock Christian University
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Department of Social Work
and Criminal Justice

Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice

Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice

The Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice prepares students to critically and ethically consider and address problems impacting our society.  Social Work and Criminal Justice students become versed in sociological and psychological perspectives relating to factors contributing to social problems, maladaptive behavior, and effective interventions. The department develops competent professionals who are skilled in critical thinking, effective communication, and advocacy. 

Dr. Johnson’s primary research interest focuses on trauma-informed care, specifically the impact of childhood abuse and neglect. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Texas and  works as a therapist in private practice, treating children and adults. Dr. Johnson has social work experience with Hospitals, Home Health, Family Preservation, Domestic Violence, Criminal Justice, Gerontology, foster care, and court-ordered home studies. She has provided staff trainings and consultation to social service agencies in Lubbock and in South Africa. Dr. Johnson is a member of the Council on Social Work Education, Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors, Phi Alpha Honor Society, North American Association of Christian Social Workers, Lubbock Medical Social Workers, and Texas Social Work Deans and Directors. She has taught in the LCU social work program since 2001.

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Prior to coming to LCU, Dr. Culbert gained professional experience in medical social work, child welfare, criminal justice, mental health, and gerontology. She has experience working in hospital settings, completing psychiatric assessments and evaluations in both the emergency room and in criminal justice settings. Dr. Culbert has previously worked with families while completing home studies with children's protective agencies, case management and family conferencing for persons with disabilities. She also has experience as a gerontological social worker in both home health and hospice.

Dr. Culbert is licensed at the Master's Level (LMSW) with Independent Practice Recognition (IPR) in the state of Texas and is also a Certified Compassion Fatigue Educator. Her research interests include professional behaviors in BSW students, gerontology, health care and social insurance. Dr. Culbert is a member of the Council on Social Work Education, the Association of Baccalaureate Program Directors, Phi Alpha Honor Society, and Lubbock Medical Social Workers.

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Dr. Dabbs has been teaching at Lubbock Christian University since 2000. In addition to her regular teaching assignments in the Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice she teaches for the Honors College at LCU.

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Tony Parnell currently serves as Associate Professor of Social Work and Director of Field Education in the Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice, an appointment he has held since 1993. Tony has established himself as a leader in social work field education and is well qualified and experienced in the social work practice areas of children and families, mental health, group work, and higher education. Tony has made it his life’s work to help others in need and to educate and mentor new generations of social work professionals. An example of his “helping spirit” is found in his ability to help others reduce and manage stress through powerful relaxation techniques, often working with the staff in a variety of organizations to relax and renew. Tony is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Texas and holds the national designation of membership in the Academy of Certified Social Workers.  He is also a Licensed Child-Placing Agency Administrator in the State of Texas. He is a member of the Council on Social Work Education, the North American Association of Christians in Social Work, Texas Field Education Consortium, and the National Association of Social Workers.

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Craig Allen is the Criminal Justice Program Coordinator and an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice. He teaches criminal justice courses at all levels and is the faculty sponsor for the Alpha Phi Sigma criminal justice honor society at LCU. Mr. Allen began his criminal justice career in 1989, working as a police officer in the Dallas area. During that time, Mr. Allen worked in a variety of positions, including Patrol, SWAT, Accident Investigator, Police Instructor, and Crime Scene Investigations. As a police instructor, he taught Crime Scene, Emergency Driving, CPR, and Problem-Oriented Policing. Mr. Allen retired from policing and entered education, teaching Criminal Justice and Forensics at the high school level while obtaining a master’s degree in criminal justice. He also taught at the Junior College level, teaching criminal justice and in the police academy. Mr. Allen came to LCU in the Fall of 2022. Although “retired” from active law enforcement, he maintains his police officer status and has a Master Police Officer certification. During his law enforcement career, Mr. Allen also achieved the Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst certification from the International Association for Identification. 

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