Executive Director
Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas
Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
Dr. Rita J. Watkins is the Executive Director of the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas. She previously served as the Project Manager for the Leadership Command College (LCC) of the institute. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University, a Master of Public Administration from Texas A&M University, and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Sam Houston State University. Rita also has a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Counseling from Sam Houston State University.
Dr. Watkins criminal justice experience started over 40 years ago, beginning her career as a juvenile probation officer. She began her policing career with the College Station Police Department and later served as Chief Deputy for the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office. During Dr. Watkins career she continued professional development and is instructor certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and is an alternative dispute resolution mediator. She graduated from the Leadership Command College (LCC #16), and the 182nd FBI National Academy.
During Dr. Watkins employment at LEMIT-Sam Houston State University, she has become involved in many facets of education. Her teaching and research have concentrated in the areas of cultural diversity issues, ethics and leadership development, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and diverse workplaces. She also oversees curriculum development, human resource management and supervision, fiscal planning, strategic planning, and international development initiatives. In addition, Dr. Watkins has commenced research in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and post critical response. Her other areas of expertise include Cultural Diversity/Implicit Bias in Policing, Law Enforcement Reform, Police Leadership and Management, and Women in Policing. Dr. Watkins is co-author of Forgotten Heroes, a book written about and dedicated to women police officers killed in line of duty.
