James Whitmer, J.D. Chicago Campus

"I bring to the classroom an understanding of the
need not only to apply standards of fairness and
equity to issues in the criminal justice field, but
also to consider moral issues relating to
restorative justice."
- James Whitmer, J.D.

James Whitmer, J.D.
Program Director
M.A. in Criminology Online Program

I believe in having a positive approach to life and to learning. Through my 26 years of experience as an FBI agent, I bring to the classroom an understanding of the need not only to apply standards of fairness and equity to issues in the criminal justice field, but also to consider moral issues relating to restorative justice.

As an FBI agent assigned to the Chicago Division, I investigated a variety of cases including organized crime (including traditional, Russian and Asian), drugs, white-collar crime, terrorism and property crimes. I have worked undercover as an attorney in several cases involving money laundering and insurance fraud. I have extensive experience in electronic surveillance matters. I also was a General Police Instructor and Russian Speaker for the FBI, and travelled to the Republic of Georgia where I instructed the Georgian MVD concerning criminal investigations, in addition to being a Criminal Profiling Coordinator. Using this experience as background, I strive to motivate students to be creative and logical in their thinking, and to pursue lifelong learning in order to make a positive impact on society.

I engage students to seek out their talents, to encourage them to succeed, and to positively promote social responsibility. I believe in leading by example, and stress to my students the need to acquire and maintain positive leadership qualities.

Please e-mail or call me (312-662-4321) if you have questions or would like more information about me.

Education

  • J.D., Chicago Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
  • M.S., University of Notre Dame (Organic Chemistry)
  • M.S., Saint Leo University (Criminal Justice)
  • B.A., Lewis University (Chemistry, Education)

Licensure

  • Member of Bar (Supreme Court of Illinois); ARDC# 6187882, admitted 11-16-1984

Professional Memberships

  • Chicago Bar Association
  • Illinois Bar Association
  • American Chemical Society
  • Academy of Behavioral Profiling