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Jonathan McCombs, PhD

Dean, COHPA, Executive Director, CPSCE, and Co-Executive Director, GCHE

jonathan.mccombs@franklin.edu

Profile

Jonathan McCombs is an educator, former police officer and investigator, holds a Master‘s of Science in Criminal Justice and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice. His dissertation topic was a study of problem based learning in law enforcement in-service training. An extensive career of over 25 years in public safety and higher education provided experience in narcotics investigations, intelligence analysis, anti-terror investigations, gun trafficking investigations, street patrol, campus law enforcement administration, higher education administration, and advanced training. As an industry expert in the field of law enforcement, problem based learning, and online learning, Jonathan McCombs is currently the Dean of the College of Health and Public Administration at Franklin University.  At Franklin University he has been involved in many significant strategic partnership initiatives that advance access to higher education for students and develop innovative workplace education solutions. He is the co-Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Public Safety and Cybersecurity Education which includes public safety, public administration, and cybersecurity related degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels as well as academic innovation initiatives.  He is also the Co-Executive Director for the Global Center for Healthcare Education where he advances his work in the healthcare arena with key strategic partners in the Central Ohio region and beyond. Dr. McCombs was appointed to the Fullbright Specialist Roster in 2020. 

Education

2015
Capella University (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Safety, Criminal Justice
2006
Troy University (Troy, Alabama)
Master of Science, Criminal Justice
1999
Clemson University (Clemson, South Carolina)
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology

Certifications

2014
Human Research, Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)

Work Experience

2020 - Present
Franklin University, Dean, COHPA, Executive Director, CPSCE, and Co-Executive Director, GCHE
2020 - 2020
Franklin University, Dean, College of Health/Public Administration, and Executive Director, Center for Public Safety and Cybersecurity Education
2019 - 2020
Franklin University, Dean, Academic Operations & Community Engagement
2017 - 2019
Franklin University, Dean, College of Health & Public Administration; Co-Executive Director, Center of Public Safety & Cybersecurity Education
2017 - 2017
Franklin University, Dean, College of Health & Public Administration & Program Chair, Criminal Justice
2015 - 2017
Franklin University, Program Chair
2014 - 2015
Franklin University, Lead Faculty

Publications & Presentations

McCombs, J. (2018). CORE Feasibility Study Final Report. www.franklin.edu/sites/default/files/fr/documents/cpsce-core-feasibility-0518.pdf
McCombs, J. (2017). The Federal Bureau of Investigation. Criminology: Conversations. Oxford University Press.
McCombs, J. (2015, Jun. 5). Integrating PBL Activities into Online Courses. Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Conference, Columbus, OH.
McCombs, J., & Martin, C. (2015, Jun. 5). Integrating the TV Show, "The Walking Dead' into your curriculum. Teaching and Learning In Higher Education Conference, Columbus, OH.
McCombs, J. (2015, Jun. 3). Aligning Workforce Training with Academic Preparation: Panel Discussion. Teaching Public Administration Conference, Columbus, OH.
McCombs, J. (2015, Mar. 5). Problem-Based Learning in Law Enforcement In-Service Training: Utilizing Use of Force as a Measure of Job Performance. ACJS Annual Meeting, Orlando, Florida.
McCombs, J. (2014, Oct. 10). An Innovative Higher Education Partnership: Columbus Division of Fire and CSCC. Ohio Association of Two Year Colleges Conference, Wright State University- Lakeland Campus.
McCombs, J. (2014, Jun. 4). Criminal Justice Topics in 'The Walking Dead' TV Show. CJAD Honor Society Meeting and Webinar, Online.
McCombs, J. (2014, Jun. 13). Problem-Based Learning in Public Safety Training: A New Paradigm. Teaching and Learning Conference, Franklin University.
McCombs, J. (2014, Aug. 26). Law Enforcement Training. Rotary Club - Pickerington/Reynoldsburg, Reynoldsburg, OH.
McCombs, J. (2014, Aug. 29). Teaching Undergraduate Criminal Justice After Retirement: You will need a Master's Degree!. City of Columbus Division of Police Academy.
McCombs, J., Miner-Romanoff, K., & Robinson, N. (2014, Nov. 14). Ohio Institute of Criminal Justice Excellence. Franklin University Learning Showcase, Franklin University Main Campus.
McCombs, J. (2014, Oct. 10). Problem Based Learning in Public Safety Training. Ohio Association of Two Year Colleges Annual Conference, Wright State University-Lakeland Campus.
McCombs, J. (2014, Nov. 14). Problem Based Learning in Law Enforcement In-Service Training: Research Proposal. Franklin University Learning Showcase, Franklin University Main Campus.
McCombs, J., Miner-Romanoff, K., & Chongwony, L. (2014, Nov. 14). Interactive, Holistic, and Experiential Online Learning Environments Research Study. Franklin University Learning Showcase, Franklin University Main Campus.
McCombs, J., & Asbury, S. (2014, Nov. 14). Central Ohio Regional Enforcement: Training Initiative. Franklin University Learning Showcase, Franklin University Main Campus.
McCombs, J., & Oconnor, K. (2014, Nov. 14). An Innovative Higher Education Partnership. Franklin University Learning Showcase, Franklin University Main Campus.
McCombs, J. (2014, May. 2). Teaching Undergraduate Criminal Justice After Retirement: You will need a Master's Degree!. City of Columbus Division of Police Academy.

Professional Service

2015
Task Force Member
Partnership Development Council
(Columbus, Ohio)
2015
University Senate Service
Faculty Senate
(Columbus, Ohio) End Date: 2017
2014
Board Member
Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board of Fairfield County
(Lancaster, Ohio)
2014
Committee Chair
Assessment Committee
(Columbus, Ohio) End Date: 2015
2013
Committee Member
Assessment Committee
(Columbus, Ohio) End Date: 2014
2013
Committee Member
Policy Review Committee
2013
Committee Member
Sabbatical Committee
(Columbus, Ohio) End Date: 2016
2010
Committee Member
Bargaining Team Administration
2010
Committee Member
Strategic Scheduling Leadership Team
(Columbus, Ohio) End Date: 2013