( Bluefield)—Major General John Barnette, Assistant Adjutant General/West Virginia Army National Guard, will be the featured speaker at this weekend’s 10 th annual West Virginia Criminal Justice Educators Association (WVCJEA) fall conference at Bluefield State College. Major General Barnette’s presentation will begin at 12:30 p.m., on Saturday, November 11, in the Hebert Gallery/Harris-Jefferson Student Center at BSC. “We are gratified that Major General Barnette has accepted our invitation,” noted Mike Lilly, Professor and Program Director of Criminal Justice Administration at BSC. “He has been very involved in operations involving U.S. border security and the National Guard’s response to the Hurricane Katrina disaster.”

Lilly, who is WVCJEA first vice president, said local law enforcement personnel are also invited to attend the event, whose theme this year is “The New Face of Crime in the 21 st Century.” “We’re looking forward to the conference,” Lilly noted. “There will be several student-centered activities, including competitions in oral presentation, poster, and research paper categories. There will also be a job fair with several criminal justice agencies from this region, and the West Virginia Civil Support Team will demonstrate how it responds to an emergency situation.”

“Major General Barnette will bring a very timely message, addressing topics of compelling importance to all of us,” added Dr. Albert Walker/BSC president. “We are grateful for his participation in the conference.” The conference will include opportunities for students currently enrolled in, or potentially interested in, criminal justice/criminal justice administration to gain insight into the opportunities and challenges in the field.

Among the West Virginia institutions of higher education (in addition to BSC) that have committed to participate in the conference are: Marshall University, WVU-Parkersburg, West Virginia State University, New River Community and Technical College, Wheeling Jesuit University, Fairmont State University, and Mountain State University. “Bluefield State College has been a member institution in WVCJEA for 15 years,” Lilly added. “The fall conference is a focal point of our organization each year and Bluefield State College will derive several benefits from serving as the host for this year’s program.”

Individuals and/or organizations seeking additional information are encouraged to contact Professor Lilly (mlilly@bluefieldstate.edu).

November 6, 2006