The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Center on Children, Families, and the Law named Dr. Keith Cruise as its director. Cruise will also hold a faculty position as a professor of psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences.
The center, established in 1987, serves as a home for research and public service on child and family policy issues. Cruise, a juvenile forensic psychologist, will assume the director role on Aug. 17.
“After conducting a national search, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Keith Cruise as our next director,” said Christine Henningsen, associate director of the center. “Keith possesses a unique blend of expertise in clinical psychology, research and program development, along with a deeply collaborative spirit that aligns perfectly with our mission. CCFL helps the helpers by providing resources, training, and evaluation to helping professionals. We look forward to the leadership and vision Keith will bring to this important work in Nebraska and beyond.”
Cruise earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Legal Studies from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of North Texas. He began his career at Sam Houston State University and later spent several years as a clinical assistant professor of public health at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and adjunct assistant professor of psychology at the University of New Orleans.
Cruise comes to Nebraska from New York, where he has spent the past 20 years as a professor of psychology at Fordham University, including four years as an adjunct professor of law. He is also co-director of the Center for Trauma Recovery and Juvenile Justice, a National Child Traumatic Stress Network Category II training and technical assistance center focused on enhancing a trauma-informed care framework for youth and families involved in the justice system.
He provides consultation, technical assistance and training to local and state juvenile justice systems on behavioral health screening, evidence-based use of risk and needs assessments, trauma treatment implementation and collaborative, system-level coordination to strengthen trauma-informed care.
Cruise has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications; is cited in mental health assessment manuals and encyclopedias; and has contributed chapters to multiple edited books in forensic psychology and juvenile justice. He has secured funding for research, training and service delivery through federal and foundation grants. Cruise also serves on several editorial and professional boards and frequently presents at national and international conferences.
His overarching focus is adopting, implementing and sustaining evidence-based practices that increase access to appropriate services, enhance adolescent and family functioning and capitalize on strengths to support recovery while also maintaining community safety.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Keith Cruise as the new director of the Center on Children, Families, and the Law,” said Pat Dussault, interim dean of arts and sciences. “CCFL serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research, teaching and public service focused on policies that affect children and families, and Dr. Cruise brings an outstanding record of scholarship, leadership and externally funded research related to youth and their families within the legal system. We are especially pleased to welcome him back to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.”
For Cruise, becoming the center's next director represents an exciting new chapter and a chance to return home to Nebraska.
“Returning to CCFL, and UNL as my original academic home, is a fantastic opportunity to serve youth, families and systems within Nebraska while also expanding the scope and reach of CCFL’s critical mission beyond the state,” Cruise said. “I look forward to supporting continuity and continued growth of projects and people at CCFL in our shared mission of helping the helpers.”
Read the announcement in Nebraska Today.
