By Ariel C. Emberton, staff writer/photographer, Office of University Communications

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Alexa Calix, a sophomore of Glasgow, Ky., has been named the recipient of the Ledford Scholar Award by the Appalachian College Association (ACA).

Calix is studying criminal justice at Campbellsville University. Dr. Dale Wilson, associate professor of criminal justice, informed her about the award and encouraged her to apply.

“Alexa is committed, passionate and is dedicated to working in the field of victim advocacy. She is resilient and has the talent and intellect to be very special in the field,” Wilson said.

She will be interviewing families of homicide victims to further understand restorative justice and how the criminal justice system contributes to victim restoration. Her research will run through the summer and will be completed by August. Wilson will be assisting her during certain parts of the research.

“The application required a biographical sketch that included why I wanted to conduct research over this specific topic,” Calix said. “Both Dr. Wilson and the chief academic officer had to write a letter of endorsement on my behalf for carrying out the research through Campbellsville University.”

After she finishes her research throughout the summer, Calix is responsible for submitting her final research report to the ACA and then presenting her findings on campus during the fall semester.

“I wanted to apply because I think it is great opportunity to further my education throughout the summer. I have always wanted to dig deeper into each part of the criminal justice system, and this project will hopefully put my foot in the door for future opportunities,” Calix said.

“The research we are doing was her idea and is the result of her own experience with violent crime in her family. I am excited to work on this project with her. Alexa is bright and as introspective as any student I have had at Campbellsville. I have always tried to incorporate students in my research projects at CU and to date, Alexa will be the 25th student I will have worked with on criminal justice research,” Wilson, who has taught at Campbellsville University  since 2014, said.

Calix said, “I believe to move forward with a restorative approach that benefits victims while rehabilitating offenders, we must first attempt to gain a better understanding of the victims. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and am eager to see what I find.”

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 13,500 students offering over 100 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.