Doug Dretke is currently serving as the Interim Director of the Global Engagement Center at Sam
Houston State University (SHSU). He previously served as Director of the Office of Comparative and
International Education and Leadership within the College of Criminal Justice at SHSU (03/2024 –
03/2026). Doug retired as Executive Director of the Correctional Management Institute (CMIT) at Sam
Houston State University after more than 17 years of service (July 2006 – January 2024). Under his
leadership, CMIT grew into a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence, renowned
for delivering high-quality training, professional development, research support, and technical assistance
to correctional professionals.
During his tenure, Doug established a significant collaboration with the American Jail Association,
creating the National Jail Leadership Command Academy—the premier jail leadership program in the
United States. He also forged a strategic partnership with the North American Association of Wardens
and Superintendents to strengthen the highly regarded Wardens Peer Interaction Program. In addition,
Doug was instrumental in developing and delivering executive leadership programs for senior
correctional leaders from around the world in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). These initiatives have significantly
strengthened correctional systems globally through meaningful knowledge exchange and the
implementation of best practices.
Prior to joining SHSU, Doug had a distinguished 26-year career with the Texas Department of Criminal
Justice (TDCJ), rising from correctional officer through the ranks to senior and executive leadership roles.
He served as Warden of two separate facilities before being appointed Regional Director, Deputy
Director, and ultimately Director of the Correctional Institutions Division (prison division). In that
capacity, he oversaw operations for more than 100 prison facilities across Texas.
Doug holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Corrections from Sam Houston State University
and a Master of Public Administration (concentration in Criminal Justice) from Texas A&M University–
Corpus Christi. He has served as an Adjunct Faculty member at SHSU, teaching Correctional Systems
and Practices.
A recognized leader in the field, Doug is a frequent trainer and presenter on correctional leadership and
management issues both nationally and internationally. He is actively involved in the American
Correctional Association (ACA) as the current Chair of the Resolutions and Policy Committee, member
of the International Corrections Committee; and past Chair, Professional Certification Commission and
former member of the Board of Governors. Doug additionally is active with the International Corrections
and Prisons Association (ICPA) serving as a Board Member (Secretary) of the North America Chapter
and is the Deputy Chair of the Staff Training and Professional Development Network. He is a past
President of the Texas Corrections Association and has been active with the American Probation and
Parole Association, American Jail Association, and North American Association of Wardens and
Superintendents.
Doug has contributed to national initiatives such as serving on the National Steering Committee for the
Moss Group’s Bureau of Justice Assistance project on Improving Institutional Corrections Training
Academies. His many honors include the ACA’s E.R. Cass Correctional Achievement Award (2024) – the
association’s highest honor, the Dr. George J. Beto Hall of Honor Award (2009) recognizing his
significant achievements to the correctional profession, the SHSU Defensor Pacem Award for
contributions to the criminal justice field, and the Texas Association of Pretrial Services Pioneer Award.
Throughout his career, Doug Dretke has demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing professional
standards, leadership development, and international collaboration in the field of corrections