Alumni News:

Dr. Andrew (Andy) L. Giacommazzi

Andrew Giacomazzi smiles while holding his award.
Andrew Giacomazzi with his Administrator of the Year Award plaque.

Andrew L. Giacomazzi recently received the 2019–2020 Administrator of the Year Award from the Boise State University (BSU) Association of Office Professionals. Andy received his master’s and doctoral degrees in criminal justice and political science, respectively, from WSU. He’s now interim dean in the School of Public Service and professor of criminal justice at BSU. Before being appointed interim dean, Andy was associate dean in the school. He worked extensively with the Western Regional Institute of Community Oriented Public Safety to conduct assessments of police departments and sheriffs’ offices in the western United States. He also worked at the Spokane Police Department in leadership development. 

Andy is co-author of the book Community Policing in a Community Era: An Introduction and Exploration and is co-editor of the book Controversial Issues in Policing. His latest book, Justice Administration, was published in January 2018. He has more than 65 other publications, including refereed journal articles, book chapters, and technical reports. His research interests include community policing, organizational change, family violence, and juvenile intervention programs. Andy teaches courses in policing, criminal justice policy, and research methods. He is currently a National Executive Counselor for Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, and Chapter Advisor for Alpha Phi Sigma. 

In May 2015, Andy was named Faculty Member of the Year by the Residential Housing Association at BSU and, in 2016 & 2019, won the university’s Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching. From 2014 to 2019, Andy lived on the BSU campus, serving in the capacity of faculty member in residence in the Leadership & Engagement Living–Learning Community. 

Related link: Boise State University

Denny Johnston

Denny Johnston accepts a Cougar gift bag from a student in a classrom.
Denny Johnston accepted a gift from Ruby Wyman, Alpha Phi Sigma president, on behalf of the student clubs.

Denny Johnston recently retired from Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC). A 1974 graduate in political science, Denny returned to the WSU Pullman campus in October to talk with our undergraduate students about his work with DOC as well as some life lessons he learned along the way.

Students presented him with a Cougar gift bag in appreciation.