For as long as Dr. James Thomas can remember, becoming a Texas Ranger was his dream. At just nine years old, after countless Saturday mornings spent watching westerns with his father in the piney woods of East Texas, he set his heart on the path of law enforcement. Decades later, at age 36, that dream became reality.
Now, after more than 23 years of service in law enforcement, including roles as a Texas Ranger, company commander and chief training officer, Dr. Thomas is answering a new calling: shaping the next generation of leaders in criminal justice as program director for ACU Online’s B.S. in Criminal Justice.
A Mission with Purpose
When asked why he chose to bring his decades of law enforcement experience into the world of online education, Thomas’ answer came quickly and with conviction. For him, the decision was about more than just teaching; it was about expanding his impact.
“The online environment gives me the opportunity to reach students everywhere. Every city, every state, every country,” he shared. “At ACU, I get to share not just what I’ve learned in law enforcement, but how that experience can prepare students to improve outcomes for the people and communities they serve.”
For someone who spent years serving on the front lines of criminal justice, the shift to higher education wasn’t about stepping away from his mission, but rather about enlarging it. By teaching in an online setting, Dr. Thomas can pour into students he may never meet in person: future officers, investigators, and leaders who will carry forward the lessons of integrity, perseverance, and justice into their own communities.
But it wasn’t just the accessibility of online learning that drew Thomas to ACU. It was the university’s foundation. “We’re grounded in biblical principles, ethics, grace and love. Those values are in the DNA of the program,” he said.
For him, that alignment matters. ACU’s mission provides a framework that connects professional preparation with personal character formation. It’s not simply about producing graduates ready for the workforce; it’s about equipping servant-leaders who see their work in law enforcement and criminal justice as a calling to serve others with compassion.
Teaching in a New Way
Though passionate about face-to-face interactions, Dr. Thomas welcomes the challenge of teaching online. Storytelling, he believes, bridges that gap. By sharing real-life experiences from complex investigations to life-changing encounters with families, he helps students connect deeply with the lessons.
“I love storytelling,” he explained. “It creates an experience students can take into the broader world. Whether through a screen or in a classroom, if I can connect with their heart, mind, and soul, I’ve done my job.”
Building Ambassadors for ACU
Even in just his first month, Dr. Thomas has already seen the program’s potential ripple outward through its students. One 
conversation in particular left a lasting impression. A veteran officer with over 30 years of experience contacted him for a phone call that lasted over 40 minutes. What struck him most was not just the student’s respect for the program, but his passion for representing it.
“Before I even mentioned the word ‘ambassador,’ this student was already living it,” he recalled with a smile. “He was so enthusiastic about ACU that he invited me to visit his agency to connect with other officers and cadets. That’s exactly what we want – students who represent ACU and carry forward the mission.”
Moments like this fuel his vision for the program. Each student becomes more than just a learner; they become messengers of ACU’s values and living examples of how education rooted in faith and integrity can influence communities. For him, that is the true measure of success: when students step out not only as graduates but as ambassadors who embody the mission of ACU wherever they go.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Thomas looks toward the future of online education with a sense of urgency and excitement, confident that ACU has a unique role in shaping what’s next. “My mission is to have the best criminal justice program in the country,” he said. “That means building a program so strong that agencies across the nation come to ACU for research, insight, and graduates who are ready to lead with integrity.”
In his eyes, the future of online learning is not just about delivering content digitally; it’s about building a network of leaders who are deeply rooted in character, prepared to think critically and equipped to meet the real challenges facing their communities. Thomas imagines ACU Online becoming a trusted resource not only for students, but also for agencies, departments, and organizations across the country who turn to the program for solutions and well-trained graduates.
For Dr. Thomas, the journey from boyhood dreams in East Texas, to a decades-long career in law enforcement, to academic leadership is more than a career arc, it’s a calling. At ACU Online, he’s ready to help students pursue their own purpose, one story and one class at a time. Call us today at 855-219-7300 to learn more about becoming part of our community!
