Zug G. Standing Bear, PhD

Dr. Standing Bear finds an academic proximity to the students in his online courses that he never experienced in a physical classroom setting.

"I get to know my students far better than in a physical classroom setting," noted the Criminology (SOC- 291) mentor. "Students in our courses tend to be more mature and have significant life experiences, so their input can be quite rich and informative. Many of our students are also military members that serve in a variety of roles. I am delighted to participate in supporting the military community."

His devotion to the military community and higher education comes from a personal connection. He is a decorated member of the U.S. Army (Ret.) who continues to build his own list of academic accomplishments.

Having just completed a fellowship in forensic medicine from the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C., Standing Bear earned a Doctor of Philosophy from Florida State University in Tallahassee; a Master of Public Administration from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Ala.; a Master of Science in Education from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles; a Master of Science in Forensic Science from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and a Bachelor of Science degree in law enforcement and corrections from the University of Nebraska in Omaha.

He has published dozens of articles and contributed to textbooks on the subjects of forensic science, law enforcement, criminal justice and the American Indian culture.  As a seasoned educator, he has served on curriculum, academic and diversity committees for the Colorado and Georgia state university systems. He is currently a part time faculty member at the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Colorado.

A retired commander of the U.S. Army, Standing Bear investigated war crimes during the Vietnam War and has served as a personal security officer for former President Gerald Ford and several Cabinet members.

He and his wife, Virginia Anne Red Hawk live in Divide, Colo.  In their spare time, they run a hedgehog rescue mission where 'hedgies' are nursed back to health in his infirmary and become permanent residents in his home or are adopted out to other caregivers.