The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) announced that its Academy Division Chief, Robert Brown, will serve as the new agency Deputy Director, effective November 4, 2012. Mr. Brown succeeds Deputy Director Thomas Beauclair, who retired from service earlier this year. As a member of NIC’s executive staff since 1998, Mr. Brown has contributed to the direction of NIC and worked with both the NIC Advisory Board and executive team to shape NIC’s programs, services, and engagement with the field of corrections.

“I congratulate Bob [Brown] on this promotion,” NIC Director Morris Thigpen said in a statement. “After working with him for many years, I have seen his commitment to both the field of corrections and the professional development of leaders. He will be an asset in helping to shape national discussion about the public policies, programs, and issues that impact our business today.”

Mr. Brown has held various positions in corrections for over 30 years. Since 1998, he has led the NIC Academy and has overseen its transition to the use of satellite/internet broadcasts, e-learning, virtual instructor-led training, and improved curriculum development through the use of the Instructional Theory into Practice model of training design and delivery. He has also been instrumental in developing Executive Excellence program, resulting in a strong cadre of executive leaders who have been provided with executive level training and coaching. Another milestone for the Academy includes development of The Center for Correctional Leadership and Management Studies, which provides tiered training in a format that NIC calls the “university model,” where participants are eligible to take courses based on their completion of lower level coursework first. These advances in learning support NIC’s mission to provide training, information, and technical assistance to the nation’s correctional systems. Mr. Brown’s demonstrated innovation and ability to lead and develop initiatives that have had national implications will serve the National Institute of Corrections well in the years to come.