Директор пенитенциарной системы Небраски выступит со студентами в рамках лекции о состоянии ведомства

The Nebraska prison’s director will speak to students later this month. Rob Jeffreys will speak on Sept. 22 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Nebraska Unions Swanson Auditorium as part of the State of the Agency Lecture. Chris Eskridge, a professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, said Jeffreys will talk about what it's like to work in Nebraska’s prisons. “What's it like to walk the floors, the cells, interacting with the people? He'll explain it; he'll tell it to us firsthand,” Eskridge said. “He's looking for people to hire, as well, so it's an opportunity on both sides of the coin." Jeffreys became Nebraska’s prison director in April 2023. He was previously director of work in the Illinois Department of Corrections and served in various leadership roles in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. The series began in 2015, following a 2011 grant from the University of Nebraska Foundation to Eskridge and a colleague to bring speakers to campus. Eskridge said featuring different speakers will provide students the opportunity to create connections and interact with professionals. “Get that hands-on interaction,” Eskridge said. The lecture is followed by 30 minutes for students to meet with Jeffreys. Eskridge said this will give students the opportunity to ask questions about internships, careers and related topics. The series typically features three speakers each semester and is open to UNL students, faculty and the public. Eskridge said the series will help students learn more about careers, rather than studying them in a classroom. “They hear from the horse's mouth, so to speak; this is what it's really like,” Eskridge said. The series is also intended to help students who are seeking jobs in the criminal justice field after graduation. “To hear about those opportunities, about the agency operations and activities directly from agency personnel would be of great value to our students,” Eskridge said in an email. This semester, students have the chance to hear from Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon on Oct. 29 and Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson on Dec. 1.