Ms. Acosta is a veteran criminal justice professional, educator, and Deputy Chief
with the Fresno County Probation Department. For more than three decades, she has
combined public service with higher education, bringing real-world experience into
the classroom while preparing the next generation of criminal justice professionals.
As an adjunct instructor for more than 20 years, Ms. Acosta has taught both introductory
and specialized criminology courses, including Crime and Violence in America, Juvenile
Delinquency, and Ethics. She is committed to creating an engaging learning environment
that connects academic theory with practical application, helping students develop
the knowledge, critical thinking, and professional skills needed for successful careers
in criminal justice.
For more than 25 years, Ms. Acosta has played an active role in the Criminology 180
Internship Program. After working alongside retired adjunct instructor Charlie Shuler
for several years, she now partners with Dr. Schweizer as the program's Placement
Coordinator. In this role, she collaborates with criminal justice agencies and community agencies
throughout the region to develop internship opportunities that provide students with
meaningful, hands-on experience and valuable professional connections. She is passionate
about mentoring students and helping them explore career pathways while building the
confidence and experience necessary to succeed in the profession.
Ms. Acosta has also dedicated more than 35 years to the Fresno County Probation Department,
where she began her career as a Fresno State criminology student intern before advancing
through the ranks to Deputy Chief. Throughout her career, she has held leadership
positions in both adult and juvenile services, including serving as Interim Director
of the Elkhorn Correctional Facility, overseeing the Juvenile Justice Campus Commitment/Detention
Facilities, and the Administrative Services Division. She currently provides executive
leadership for the Juvenile Services Division and the James Rowland Crime Victims
Assistance Center.
Drawing upon decades of leadership in community corrections, Ms. Acosta enriches her
teaching with practical insight, evidence-based practices, and a deep commitment to
public service. She is dedicated to mentoring students, strengthening partnerships
between the University and both community and criminal justice agencies, and preparing
graduates to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
