Administration of Justice
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Administration of Justice

Faculty & Staff

Ellyn K. Ness, Department Chair, Administration of Justice Studies

  • Email: eness@mail.mc.maricopa.edu
  • Telephone: 480-461-7050
  • Office: SC14 - 3W

  • Undergraduate degree: B.S. Criminology, B.S. Sociology
  • Graduate Studies: M.S. Public Administration/Political Science

  • Background: Ms. Ness has been at MCC since 1995 and has served in various positions including adjunct faculty, Violence Against Women grant coordinator, Commander of MCC’s Law enforcement Training Academy and Residential Full-time faculty. She has over 20 years experience in law enforcement experience in Illinois and Kansas. Ms. Ness has an extensive background in education, training and curriculum development which includes instruction at community colleges, training nationally and internationally law enforcement officers, corrections officers and other disciplines. In 2002, she was named Teacher of the Year at MCC. Ellyn enjoys traveling, reading, and cooking.

  • Philosophy: "I believe education is not received it is achieved. When my students achieve their goals I feel I had a small part of their lives for a short time and together we created a community of learning."

Bonnie Black, Residential Faculty, Administration of Justice Studies Program

  • Email: black@mail.mc.maricopa.edu
  • Telephone: 480-461-7052
  • Office: SC14 - 3W

  • Undergraduate degree: Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice
  • Graduate Studies: Masters in Public Administration (M.P.A.) from Arizona State University.
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  • Background: I have been teaching at Mesa Community College in the Administration of Justice Studies (A.J.S.) Program for the last twelve years. I am currently the Director of the AJS Program and am responsible for the administrative duties. I teach a number of criminal justice courses including Introduction to Criminal Justice, Ethics in Administration of Justice, Current Issues in Criminal Justice, Juvenile Justice, Victimology and Crisis Intervention, Courts in Arizona and other related classes. I worked in the correctional field prior to teaching as an adult probation officer, and have spent over 20 years in the violence against women area developing curriculum, creating training programs and teaching criminal justice professionals domestic violence, stalking, elder abuse and sexual assault. I remain active in the field by involving myself in professional organizations like the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) and collaborative committees like the Judicial Court Staff Education Committee with the Arizona Supreme Court. When not working I enjoy travel.

  • Why I Teach: My goal is to stimulate thinking, provide information and create challenges. I don’t pretend to know everything about the criminal justice system but I do have many years of hands-on experience and the resources to try to answer questions that arise. I often learn from my students as they critically think about the topics and share their perspectives (and experiences). I am inspired by students’ insight, personal struggles and capacity to overcome obstacles. Student success is built upon their own belief that they can conquer anything and persistently pursue their goals in spite of the “bumps” in the road. I love the quote noted below and use it to remind myself of the true meaning of teaching.

    “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”

    William Arthur Ward (1921-1994)
    My ultimate goal is to inspire my students, as they have done for me.

Bert Ouderkirk, MSgt USMC (Retired); Residential Faculty/Forensic Program Coordinator

  • Email: inlyzbld@mail.mc.maricopa.edu
  • Telephone: 480-461-7142
  • Office: SC14 - 3W

  • Undergraduate degree:
  • Graduate studies: Masters in Forensic Science and Masters in Organizational Management

  • Background: I was an adjunct professor for 12 years before I decided that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. I have taught on every level from Associate's to Master's Degree and have developed several courses for online Forensic and Criminal Justice programs. I am a retired United States Marine Corps Military Policeman (3 years), Drill Instructor (2 years), Criminal/Crime Scene Investigator (16 years) and Federally Certified Polygraph Examiner. I am also a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in GlynnCo, GA and served 5 years as a Special Agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).

    I have many interests outside of teaching. First of all, I have 4 great kids. Emily, Kyle and Kaylise and our newest addition, Cameron, who was born on 4 Mar 07. I am proud of them all. I am an avid baseball fan (Go Red Sox and Padres), football fan, and I play softball 3 nights a week. I am also a very big movie buff and was even an extra in the movie Forrest Gump "workin on the chain gang...." Additionally, I love to ride my motorcyle (Honda Valkyrie) and do anything with my wife. I love to travel to different ball parks on little weekend getaways with my wife to watch the Red Sox play when they are on the west coast.

  • Why I teach: I teach because it is the greatest job in the world. It allows me to give back what I have had the experience of learning throughout my professional career and personal life. I thoroughly enjoy the interaction with the students and learning from them as well. I also enjoy the diversity that each and every class has to offer and the opportunity to mold the future of a young person's life...or, at least give them the tools to be able to help them choose a career path. "I live for this!"

Kerry L. Muehlenbeck, Residential Faculty

  • Email: kmuehle@mail.mc.maricopa.edu
  • Telephone: 480-461-7354
  • Office: SC14 - 3W

  • Undergraduate degree: B.S. Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
  • Graduate studies: J.D. Indiana University School of Law and LL.M. University of San Diego School of Law

  • Background:
    • Assistant Prosecutor, Saginaw, Michigan, 1992-1993
    • Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, United States Air Force, 1993-1997
    • Deputy, and later Staff Judge Advocate, 161st ARW, AZ Air National Guard, 1997-2005
    • Staff Judge Advocate, Joint Forces Headquarters, AZ Air National Guard, 2005-present
    • Adjunct Instructor, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Tucson, Arizona, 1995-2001
    • Deputy County Attorney, Sex Crimes Division, Tucson, Arizona, 1998-2001
    • Associate Faculty, Arizona State University, 2001- present
    • Adjunct Faculty, Mesa Community College, 2003- 2005
    • Currently pursuing PhD at Arizona State University, School of Justice and Social Inquiry

    • My interests outside of work include running, hiking, fitness, and music.

  • Why I Teach: “Those that can, do; those that can’t teach.” I hate that remark—that’s why I teach—to prove that teachers do more than that which can be measured in the simple capitalistic terms of our society. We cultivate wisdom, inspire fresh perspectives, motivate greatness in others, and make a difference in the lives of those who go on to “do.” Teachers do all of those things that defy measurement. Plus, being a teacher means I can remain a student forever!

Barbara Lyne, Administrative Assistant III

  • Email: blyne@mail.mc.maricopa.edu
  • Telephone: 480-461-7080
  • Office: SC14 - 3W

  • Undergraduate degree: Bachelor of Science in Purchasing/Materials Management Arizona State University

  • Background: I have worked for the Administration of Justice Studies Office for 5 years. Prior to working at Mesa Community College, I worked in computer distribution for 6 years as a Senior Buyer for IBM, Intel, and Dell products. I handled everything from negotiating with new vendors, drawing up contracts and dealing with shipping companies. I was responsible for large accounts as well as small start up companies. I have also worked for a software company responsible for energy management systems for utility companies in San Jose, California working in document control. I am bilingual in Spanish and knowledgeable in many software programs.

    • When not working I enjoy shopping, exercising, and spending time with my family.

Please contact Administration of Justice for comments or corrections email phone: 480-461-7050