Dr. Mahesh Nalla named Interim Director of the MSU School of Criminal Justice

March 12, 2025

Dr. Mahesh Nalla, Professor in the School of Criminal Justice, has been named Interim Director effective March 10, 2025. Dr. Nalla will be serving as Interim Director while an internal search is conducted for Director. 

 

Dr. Chris Melde, Professor in the School of Criminal Justice, has served as the school’s 10th Director since May 2022. During his tenure, the School has seen an increase in enrollment in the Undergraduate and Graduate levels, the implementation of a new Strategic Plan that will guide the School’s mission and vision through 2027, and the continued ranking of the School of Criminal Justice as one of the Top 10 best in the Country according the US News & World Report. 

Dr. Melde is leaving his role as Director for a position in the President’s Office as Michigan State University’s Faculty Athletic Representative. He will remain on the faculty of the school, conducting research and teaching. Reflecting on his time as Director, Melde says “It was an honor to serve as the Director of the School of Criminal Justice. Our faculty, staff, and students made my time as Director such a positive experience. We accomplished a lot in these past three years and the school is well positioned to continue our legacy of excellence across all areas of our academic mission.” 

 

Dr. Nalla joined the School of Criminal Justice in 1992 and was promoted to Full Professor in 1999.  He is an award-winning scholar of comparative and international criminal justice with an impeccable record of internal and external service.  He previously served as Interim Director of the School from 2011 to 2012, Associate Director and Director of Graduate Studies from 2012 to 2015, and Director of Graduate Online Programs from 2015 to 2016.  

Dr. Nalla developed the first online MA in Criminal Justice in the late 1990s – the first Online Master's program at Michigan State University, and the first Online Master's program in Criminal Justice in the world. Dr. Nalla was also a 2023 MSU Criminal Justice Wall of Fame inductee. 

 

“It is an honor to step into the role of Interim Director of the School of Criminal Justice. I sincerely appreciate the trust placed in me by the School’s Faculty Advisory Committee and the College of Social Science administration. I look forward to collaborating with the members of the school community to advance our mission. Together, I am confident we can continue to foster a dynamic, supportive academic environment. I am excited for what’s ahead and grateful to be part of this dedicated and inspiring community." - Dr. Mahesh Nalla