The Texas A&M University-Kingsville Criminology Club is a social and academic club for students interested in exploring the criminal justice field. The club is dedicated to enrich the mind of members by incorporating real-life criminal scenarios and opportunities for students to gain exposure to the field.
“The purpose of our club is to create a safe, fun and educational experience all at once for students in the Criminology Club. Most of us have similar majors, so we strive to provide access to educational trips, guest speakers including border patrols, and the Dallas police department among others. We also are actively involved as volunteers within our community” said Iliana Ruiz, president of the Criminology Club.
The Criminology Club is actively engaging with guest speakers and potential employers. They look for opportunities that will showcase the world of criminology through different perspectives by performing crime labs and attending local prisons.
The Criminology Club members often visit prisons and interact with individuals with the McConnell Prison Unit in Beeville.
Members and officers of the Criminology Club have been able to gain insight into what jobs are in demand within the realm of criminal justice and the role they play in society by participating in prison trips.
The club provides students the opportunity to engage in leadership roles and enhance their networking abilities by meeting guest speakers.
“Our goal is to create an environment outside of this college, and create friends that will help us out in the real world…It doesn’t matter where we are, whether it be in Kingsville, Texas, or in Virginia, we want to be able to have strong connections with people, and know that it all started here,” said Roger Garcia, secretary of the Criminology Club.
The TAMUK Criminology Club welcomes all students and the club currently consists of about 30 members and meet every other Monday in Manning Hall, Room 228.
“If you are really into crime, this is a good organization to get into and explore. It gives you the chance to figure things out and gain insight as to what each position really truly does. This club also helps you explore different jobs you can do in the field of criminal justice,” said Joshua Sharp, treasurer of the Criminology Club.