I have always been passionate about law enforcement and criminal justice. I was a very active police officer who loved my profession. I had to retire from working patrol after being seriously injured in the line of duty. I decided to use my experience, skills and knowledge to help future criminal justice professionals reach their dreams and goals.
Amanda Willows Instructor
- Alum
- Faculty
Amanda Willows has always been passionate about criminal justice and law enforcement. Achieving her dream of becoming a police officer was incredibly rewarding, but after being seriously injured in the line of duty, she had to retire from patrol. When Amanda decided to return to school, she was nervous about being a non-traditional student with disabilities. However, Amanda quickly realized she had made the right choice, as the faculty at East Texas A&M went above and beyond to support her success. Seeing her journey, both of her sons were inspired to earn their degrees from East Texas A&M, as well. Now, returning as an instructor is a dream come true, and Amanda is honored to help others achieve their goals in the field of criminal justice.
A Conversation with Amanda
What is your favorite course to teach?
Teaching Officer Wellness to current law enforcement officers is deeply personal and important to me. I know firsthand the sacrifices officers make—the long hours, the stress, the exposure to trauma, and the pressure to always be strong. The demands of the job require officers to be physically and mentally prepared for any situation, yet poor eating habits, lack of sleep, and chronic stress often take a toll. Ultimately, I want officers to have long, healthy careers and fulfilling lives beyond the badge. By addressing wellness proactively, we can help reduce burnout, improve decision-making, and strengthen the profession as a whole. It's not just about surviving the job—it's about thriving, both on and off duty.
What is a current project in which you are involved?
I am the president and founder of Lamar County Adopt A Cop, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting our local police officers and first responders. We provide essential safety equipment and training funds when department budgets fall short. To date, we have supplied over 200 Level IV vests, 150 ballistic helmets, and various other critical gear to help protect those who serve our community. In addition to providing equipment, we host annual events that bring officers and the community together, fostering trust, unity, and stronger relationships.
Educational Background
- M.A., Curriculum and Instruction, Angelo State University, 2019
- M.S., Global Security Studies, Angelo State University, 2017
- M.S., Criminology, Texas A&M University-Commerce(now East Texas A&M University), 2014
- B.A., Sociology, Texas A&M University-Commerce(now East Texas A&M University), 2013
Honors and Awards
- Distinguished Citizen, City of Reno, November 2021
- Proclamation for Officer Safety and Community Leadership, Lamar County Commissioners Court, January 2017
Research Interests
- Female-perpetrated terrorism
- Life-course criminology
- Mass violence
Professional Organizations
- American Society of Criminology