Teaching Justice Through the Word

In his Criminal Justice classroom at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Marc Hedrick, J.D., often looks at Scripture to begin his lesson.

“My favorite thing about MVNU is that I can use the Word of God to teach,” Dr. Hedrick said.

One passage that anchors his instruction is Romans 13. In the chapter, the apostle Paul describes governing authorities as established by God to maintain order and restrain wrongdoing. For Dr. Hedrick, that theological foundation is essential to how students understand the field.

“Criminal Justice is God’s gift to mankind,” he said.

Dr. Hedrick challenges students to see law enforcement, courts, and corrections not simply as systems of power, but as institutions intended for the good of society. That integration of faith and practice is what Hedrick believes sets the program apart. 

Before entering the classroom, Dr. Hedrick built a career grounded in public service and the justice system. He served as a security officer in the United States Air Force; worked as a police officer in Marion, Ohio; and later practiced law as an attorney. Those experiences now shape the way he teaches. Rather than relying solely on theory or research, Hedrick regularly draws from real cases, field experiences and courtroom insight to help students understand how criminal justice systems operate in practice.

“Big state universities use professors that are research-based,” Dr. Hedrick said. “I bring real-world experience to the classroom.” 

His background allows him to present practical scenarios that mirror the decisions students may face one day. Whether discussing difficult cases, constitutional rights, or procedural law, Dr. Hedrick incorporates examples from his time in the military and in legal practice to enrich student’s learning. 

“Giving our students real-world examples set them up for success”, he said. 

At MVNU, practicality is paired with spiritual formation. Dr. Hedrick, who joined MVNU in 2023, encourages students to consider not only what the law allows, but what justice requires. By grounding coursework in Romans 13 and drawing from years in the field, he seeks to prepare graduates who pursue justice with integrity and a clear sense of calling.

For more on MVNU’s criminal justice program, click here.

Written by Dana Pettit, Digital Content & Social Media Specialist