ECU professor selected by the governor to serve on state commission

ECU professor selected by the governor to serve on state commission

GREENVILLE, N.C. (12/08/2026) - Governor Josh Stein has selected East Carolina University criminal justice and criminology professor and department chairperson, Dr. Heidi Bonner, to serve a two-year term as the academic member of the North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission.

"I'm honored to be appointed to this commission and excited to collaborate with stakeholders from across the criminal justice system," Bonner said. "The commission plays a critical role in ensuring our sentencing laws are fair, effective and grounded in evidence. I look forward to contributing to thoughtful policy recommendations that strengthen public safety and public trust."

The commission was created in 1990 in response to a need to revise the state's sentencing laws. It is an independent body that serves the N.C. General Assembly in an advisory capacity, including making policy recommendations, tracking legislation and monitoring sentencing practices and correctional resources.

The commission has 29 representatives who represent the three branches of government, all areas of the criminal justice system and the public. The academic member is selected based on a background in criminal justice or corrections policy and is recommended by the UNC System president.

"Membership on the commission is an opportunity to help ensure the continued use of sound sentencing practices in our state," Executive Director Michelle Hall wrote in a letter to Bonner.

Hall said the knowledge and experiences Bonner has acquired throughout her career will be extremely beneficial to accomplishing the duties required of the commission. Bonner attended an orientation session earlier this month to learn more about the commission's goals and what she can expect from her role.

"My responsibilities involve working with other commission members to review the state's sentencing structure and its impact on correctional populations, analyze criminal justice data and evaluate the implications of proposed policy changes. I'll contribute to recommendations that promote effective use of correctional resources and support fair, evidence-based sentencing across North Carolina," Bonner said.

Bonner will attend the first of four yearly commission meetings on Dec. 12 in Raleigh. To learn more about the commission, visit its website.

Contact: Dr. Heidi Bonner, [email protected], 252-328-4192

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East Carolina University News Services

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Phone: 252-328-6481