Dr. Jennifer E. Dungy hails from Toronto, Ontario in Canada. She received a full track and field scholarship as a short sprinter (100m/200m) and long jumper, which brought her to the U.S.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Indiana University – Bloomington. She went on to earn her doctorate in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri - St. Louis.

Called into the ministry while a doctoral student, Jennifer serves as a licensed minister, evangelist, preacher, and teacher. For nearly 20 years, she has preached the Word of God, facilitated Bible Study on college campuses and in jails, ministered to people who are unsheltered and in need, and taught adult Christian education. Jennifer is a powerful prayer warrior and a faith encourager. She inspires believers to heal from brokenness and walk in their God-given purpose. 

Jennifer’s training in criminology and criminal justice has led to more than 70 articles, chapters, and reports. Her academic achievements have garnered national and international recognition. In 2021, she was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Awardee from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Also, that same year, she was the recipient of the Feminist Criminology’s Dr. Helen Eigenberg Best Article of the Year Award from the American Society of Criminology’s Division on Women & Crime. In 2021, she received the Reiss Distinguished Scholarly Publication Award from American Sociological Association, Crime, Law and Deviance section for her book Hands Up, Don’t Shoot: Why the Protests in Ferguson Matter and How they Changed America. A highly sought after speaker, she has appeared on NBC, CBS, CBC, and NPR.