Dr. Nicholas Buker  brings a diverse background in academic administration, criminal justice education, applied research, and public-sector leadership as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Student Services and Professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
 
Before joining Florida Atlantic University, Dr. Buker served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Legal Studies at the University of West Florida, where he led multiple academic programs, supported enrollment growth, expanded online and certificate offerings, strengthened assessment practices, and built partnerships with community and law enforcement agencies. He also served as Interim Chair of the Department of Social Work and the Chair of UWF’s All-Chairs Council.
 
Dr. Buker holds a Ph.D. from Washington State University, an M.S. from the University of Ankara, an Executive MBA from the University of West Florida, and a B.A. from the Turkish National Police Academy, he also completed Harvard University’s Management Development Program. His scholarly record includes more than 60 publications and professional reports, including peer-reviewed journal articles, books, book chapters, edited volumes, policy papers, technical reports, and training materials.
 
His research and teaching interests include juvenile justice, policing, victimization, public policy, and leadership. He is committed to collaborative leadership, student success, faculty development, and community-engaged academic programs.