Karol V. Mason, former United States Assistant Attorney General, has been named the fifth president of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Mason was a leader in the Obama administration on juvenile justice issues, bail reform and re-entry of individuals leaving prison, and in her distinguished career at Alston & Bird LLP, she was the first African-American woman elected as chair of the management committee at any major national firm.
She succeeds Jeremy Travis, who has served as president since August 2004 and is now a professor at the CUNY Graduate Center, where he will teach in the doctoral program in criminal justice and conduct research.
“John Jay has been a progressive leader in improving law enforcement and addressing the toughest issues in our criminal and juvenile justice systems, while also educating the next generation of law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals,” Mason said.
Assuming office on Aug. 1, Mason was recommended by Chancellor James B. Milliken after an extensive national search. She will be the first woman and the first African-American to serve as president of the college.
“Karol Mason has established herself as a bold, visionary leader in the fields of law and criminal justice reform and she will be ideal for continuing the history of excellence and inspiration at John Jay College,” said Milliken. “I am delighted that she will be bringing her skills, energy and insights to our outstanding students and I am proud of the choice of such a gifted new president.”