Paula Rector
Missouri State University
Criminology and Criminal Justice Department
Senior Instructor
Mrs. Rector has held the position of Senior Instructor for over 10 years in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at MSU. Mrs. Rector has developed and taught a number of classes highlighting women’s role in society and race, class, and gender justice. She specializes in understanding the complex role that multiple identities have on women’s lives and especially in regard to violence against women.
Outside of her teaching, Mrs. Rector has taken the MSU Public Affairs Mission very seriously. Mrs. Rector served on the Harmony House Board of Directors for 6 years, including serving on the executive board and serving as board President. She has continued to advise Harmony House and currently chairs the Programs and Policies committee that is committed to ensuring the best practices for Harmony House clients. Mrs. Rector currently serves on the Greene County Domestic Violence Task Force. Mrs. Rector is instrumental in organizing the very popular Stop the Violence conference held on the Missouri State campus that the Task Force sponsors every year. In addition, Mrs. Rector currently serves on the Rebound Foundation Board of Directors. In this role, she works directly with Rebound clients (all women and children) and assisted in the development of the Block Program. This program is a relationship violence prevention program given to local youth, including SPS students. Lastly, Mrs. Rector is part of the GreenDot program. Along with other women in our community, Mrs. Rector conducts GreenDot trainings where participants learn how to respond and prevent domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and child abuse.
Mrs. Rector has won several awards for her teaching and public service.
Awards and honors
- Women of Distinction Honorable Mention, Missouri State University, 2019
- Board of Governors Faculty Excellence in Public Affairs Award, Missouri State University, 2017
- Faculty Mentor Honoree, Missouri State University, 2016
- Faculty Excellence in Community Service Award, Missouri State University, 2014
- Outstanding Professor Award, Northern Arizona University, 2007
- LOUIE Teaching Award, Northern Arizona University, 2003