Jonathan Varnado, M.A.

Jonathan Varnado is an instructor of criminal justice and undergraduate coordinator for the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice. As an instructor, his teaching and service are informed by his extensive professional experience in community corrections, with a focus on both juvenile and adult systems. His background includes fieldwork as a probation and parole officer for both the Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice and the Louisiana Department of Corrections, where he gained expertise in adult and juvenile drug courts.

In addition to his field work, Jonathan served as a Program Associate with the Vera Institute of Justice, a non-profit devoted to justice reform, where his work focused on addressing New Orleans' historically high jail incarceration population. He provided his expertise to support city leaders and stakeholders in safely reducing the jail population. He holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati.

Area of Expertise

Community Corrections, with a focus on both juvenile and adult systems, including probation, parole, and drug courts. His professional expertise includes applied policy analysis aimed at reducing incarceration and improving criminal justice outcomes.