Don T. Gala, Ph.D.

Dr. Don Gala's written work (also found under "Drennon-Gala") has been published by primary publishers and can be found in libraries throughout the world, and he has more than fifty publications such as book chapters, Op-Eds, and articles. One of Dr. Gala's books (1995, University Press of America) was used as a reference by the U.S. Senate in the National Debate Topic for High Schools, 1996-97, and was cited among thirty-four other scholars in the "104th Congress, 2d Session / Senate Document 104-20", Page 8 (14th pg. of Eric Document), National Debate Topic for High Schools, 1996-97, Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED404705.pdf

Dr. Gala's writing genre of interest includes fiction/action, mystery, short stories, and nonfiction. Dr. Gala also provides copywriting services as well. Presently, Dr. Gala's work in progress includes a textbook for the field of corrections and manuscripts for peer-reviewed journal articles. He also has several partial projects near the conclusion.

 

 

Books:

 

Drennon-Gala, D. (1995). Delinquency and high school dropouts: Reconsidering social correlates.  Maryland: University Press of America; a member of the Rowan & Littlefield Publishing Group. (ISBN 0-8191-99796).

 [Adopted and cited in "104th Congress, 2d Session / Senate Document 104-20", Page 8, National Debate Topic for High Schools, 1996-97, Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED404705.pdf] (14th pg. of Eric Document).

 

    (1994). The effects of social support and inner containment on the propensity toward delinquent behavior and disengagement in education. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing. 9425621. Dissertation Abstracts International, 55, 5. (See http://search.proquest.com/docview/304111984).

 

 

Refereed Chapters:

 

Obi, S., Obiakor, F. E., Gala, D., Banks, T., & Green, S. (2015). Preparing Teachers to Maximize the Potential of Young Students with Gifts and Talents. In F. E. Obiakor, A. Rieger, & A. Rotatori (Eds.), Critical Issues in Preparing Effective Early Childhood Special Education Teachers for the Twenty-First Century Classroom: Interdisciplinary Perspectives. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.

 

Obi, S.O., Obiakor, F. E, Gala, D. T., & Magee, S. (2013). Diversity, technology, and global interactions:

Educational implications. In S. Abebe (Ed.), Diversity in the Classroom: Integrated Framework beyond Chalk and Talk. Linus Books, Ronkonkoma, NY.

 

Yawn, C. D., Hill, J.M., Obiakor, F.E., Gala, D.T.D., & Neu, J. (2013). Families and Students with Learning Disabilities. In Jeffrey P. Bakken, Festus E. Obiakor, Anthony F. Rotatori (Eds.), Learning Disabilities: Practice Concerns and Students with LD. (Advances in Special Education, Vol. 25) (pp. 175-188). Bingley, United Kingdom: Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

 

Drennon-Gala, D; Obiakor, F.E.; and Grant, P.A.  (2002). Educating all children: future prospects. In F. E. Obiakor, P. A. Grant, & E. A. Dooley, (Eds.), Educating All Learners: Refocusing on the Comprehensive Support Model. Boston, MA: Charles C. Thomas Pub. Ltd.  (ISBN: 0398072655).

 

 

Refereed Journal and Periodical:

 

Gala, D. (2024-Under Peer Review). Measurement and the conceptualization of social support: Implications for criminology. 2024 Special Issue of Justice Quarterly. Theme: Innovative Measurement Approaches to Advance Criminological and Criminal Justice Research.

 

Gala, D. Drennon. (Summer 2009). "Weapon of Choice." The Correctional Trainer. What's New? pp. 15-17.  Retrieved from http://www.iactp.org/members/journals/2009_summer.pdf.

 

Drennon-Gala, D., Bouchard, J., & Collins, B. (Spring 2009). Certification of Correctional Trainers: A collaboration between IACTP and AJA. pp. 14-18. The Correctional Trainer. Retrieved from http://www.iactp.org/members/journals/2009_spring.pdf & http://www.iactp.org/CCTProgram.pdf.

 

Drennon-Gala, D., & Bouchard, J. (Jan-Feb 2009).  "Certification of Correctional Trainers: Announcing the genesis of the certification process." American Jails.

 

Drennon-Gala, D. (2001, November).  Attacks on free speech in academe. [Letter to the editor].  The Chronicle of Higher Education, 48 (11), pp. B20-B21.

 

Drennon-Gala, D. (1997, October).  "Myth or fact:  The relationship between family structure and delinquency some implications."  Sociological Abstracts.  Accession Number: 2001S40367. Originally submitted during a section on Sociology of Children (186), 92nd Annual Meeting of the American Sociological Association, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

 

 

SCHOLARLY PRESENTATIONS

 

International:

 

Gala, D. (2022, March 18th). School safety and firearms: Considering alternatives. Session 394. The 59th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Las Vegas, NV.

 

    (2022, March 16th). Social support: Conceptualizations & mis-conceptualizations. Session 126. The 59th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Las Vegas, NV.

 

    (2021, April – Cancelled-COVID-19). Intervention equals prevention using social support measures: Eliminating the need for a firearm at school. The 58th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Orlando, Florida.

 

    (2021, April – Cancelled-COVID-19). Defining the AR-15 as an assault weapon, do we understand the meaning and the real threat? The 58th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Orlando, Florida.

 

    (2020, November - Meeting Cancelled-COVID-19). Social Support Verses Control over the AR-15 – An Examination of the Legal and Practical Implications when Considering School Safety. American Society of Criminology, Washington, DC.

 

    (2020, March – Meeting Cancelled-COVID-19). "The AR-15 is Not the Problem: Legal Implications and Alternatives to Gun Control and School Safety." Session 363. The 57th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, San Antonio. Texas.

 

    (2018, November). The Myth of Gun Control and School Safety: The Alternatives. American Society of Criminology, Atlanta, GA.

 

    (2018, November). Intervention Equals Prevention: Exploring Rational Means of Intervention to Prevent Future Carnage In Public Schools. American Society of Criminology, Atlanta, GA.

 

     (2015, March).  "Causing a Positive Impact on Violent Crime Prevention and Deterrence through Armed Citizens." Session #109. The 52nd Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Orlando, FL.

 

    (2015, March).  "Examining the Impact of Social Dynamics on Delinquency within the Home." Session #128. The 52nd Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Orlando, FL.

 

    (2014, October). Train the Trainer in Developing a PREA Curriculum. International Association of Correctional Training Personnel (IACTP). 30th Annual Training Conference, Phoenix, AZ.

 

    (2013, November). If the Lamb Had Sharp Teeth: Are Firearms Really the Danger? American Society of Criminology, Atlanta, GA.

 

    (2013, November). Social Support: An Overlooked Theory in the Measurement of Delinquency. American Society of Criminology, Atlanta, GA.

 

    (2012, October). Presenter. Using Management Judo to Avoid Title VII Retaliation Complaints, IACTP's 28th Annual Trainers' Conference, Charleston, West Virginia.

 

    (2011, November). Presenter. Preparing a grant proposal to fund training, IACTP's 27th Annual Trainers' Conference, Nashville, Tennessee.

 

    (2011, March). Roundtable: Responding to the Needs of Mentally Ill Offenders in the Community and in Jail (#337). The 48th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

 

Drennon Gala, D. (2011, March). The Evolutionary Process of Management Styles in Prisons (#360). The 48th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

 

Gala, D. (2010, November). Presenter. Title VII retaliation complaints: avoiding pitfalls, IACTP's 26th Annual Trainers' Conference, Boston, MA.

 

Gala, D., & Purdue, R. (2010, November). Presenter. Staff, A Valuable Resource: Train them well. IACTP's 26th Annual Trainers' Conference, Boston, MA.

 

Gala, D. (2010, November). Chair. Theoretical Contributions in Correctional Rehabilitation. Session 705. The 61st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology, Philadelphia, PA.

 

    (2009, November). Chair. New Responses to Terrorism. Session 288. The 61st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology, Philadelphia, PA.

 

Drennon Gala, D., et al. (2009, October). "Correctional Trainer Certification: Your Professional Credential." Annual Conference of the International Association of Correctional Training Personnel. Orlando, FL.

 

Drennon Gala, D. (2009, March).  "Affirmative Action and Diversity: Where Are We Now in Criminal Justice Education." Event #58.  Roundtable. The 46th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Boston, MA.

 

    (2009, March).  Chair. Methodology Issues and Techniques I. Event #196. The 46th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Boston, MA.

 

    (2009, March).  "The Trials and Tribulations of Jail Overcrowding." Event #223.  Paper presented at the 46th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Boston, MA.

 

    (2009, March). Chair. Intelligence, Counterterrorism, and The Law. Event #307. The 46th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Boston, MA.

 

    (2009, March).  "Jail Correctional Officers and Opportunities for Corruption: Selected Solutions." Event #332. Paper presented at the 46th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Boston, MA.

 

    (2009, March). Chair. Turnover and Burnout and Their Antecedents Among Corrections Employees. Event #360. The 46th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Boston, MA.

 

    (2007, Nov) "Social Support and Juvenile Delinquency Revisited" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology, Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta, Georgia.  2008-06-25 from http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p202223_index.html.

 

    (2007, November). Discussant. Understanding and alleviating prisoner misconduct and violence. 59th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology Annual Conference, Session 382. Atlanta, GA.

 

    (2007, November). Chair. Faith-based and restorative justice models. 59th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology Annual Conference, Session 609. Atlanta, GA.

 

    (2006, March).  "Some ethical implications of organizational discord between the 'old guard' and 'new guard' in Federal corrections."  Paper presented at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Baltimore, MD.

 

    (2006, March).  "The adverse effects of Title VII retaliation complaints: Methods to avoid pitfalls." Paper presented at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Baltimore, MD.

 

    (2000, March).  "Federal prison population from 1988-1999:  Where do we go from here?"  Paper presented at the 37th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, New Orleans, LA.

 

    (2000, March).  "Avoidable incarcerations: A case study."  Paper presented at the 37th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, New Orleans, LA.

 

    (1998, November). "Developing a sample design for adolescent research that provides optimum results," 1998 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology Annual Conference, Session ID:  MC001, Washington, DC.

 

    (1998, November). Johnnie's social dilemma: The impact of the absence of social bonding in rural America.

 

        1998 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology Annual Conference, Session ID:  CK008, Washington, DC.

 

    (Aug. 1997). Myth or fact: The relationship between family structure and delinquency - some implications. Section on Sociology of Children (186), Refereed Roundtable.  1997 Annual Meeting of the American Sociological Association, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

 

    (1996, November). Panel Chair and Discussant.  Session: Unraveling Families and Delinquency: New Insights to Enduring Questions.  Annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology, Chicago, IL.

 

    (1996, March). The myth about the relationship between the two-parent family and delinquency.  Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Las Vegas, NV.

 

    (1995, November). The bonding dilemma:  The American family. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology Annual Conference, Boston, MA.

 

  

National:

 

Gala, D. (1995, November 8).  Colloquium: Fayetteville State University.  Theme: "The O.J. Simpson verdict: Social & racial implications for the criminal justice system."  Title of the presentation: Examining disparities through social class and conviction rates.

 

    (October 1995). The bonding dilemma: The consequences and possible solutions.  Paper presented at a Conference entitled "Building Community Partnerships for Lifelong Learning;" invited by the U.S. Department of Education, Southeastern Regional Office; Lee College, Cleveland, TN.

 

    Colloquium.  (1987, April). The effect of support that is perceived by children during early adolescence and its relationship with antisocial behavior.  Paper presented during a colloquium at the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY.

 

 

Local:

 

Gala, D. (July 2013). In-service P.O.S.T. (TN) – Approved. Interview & Interrogation: Techniques and Methods. South Central Tennessee. Pulaski Police Department and Sheriff's Office, Giles County, Tennessee.

 

    (2012 JUL 30th). United States Deputy Warden's Association, 67th Annual Conference (Nashville, TN). Conducted professional workshop: "Applying Management Judo to Avoid Title VII Retaliation Complaints."

 

    (April 2012). ADA Sensitivity Training. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office. (P.O.S.T.) Training Presentation, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.

 

    (March 2012). ADA Sensitivity Training. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office. (P.O.S.T.) Training Presentation, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. And Lawrenceburg Police Department, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.

 

 

Op-Eds:

 

Gala, D. (2021, October 18). The Present and The Future. The Chattanoogan.com. https://www.chattanoogan.com/2021/10/18/436874/The-Present-And-The-Future.aspx.

 

    (2021, May 22). The Harm of Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition's Clandestine Actions. The Chattanoogan.com. https://www.chattanoogan.com/2021/5/22/428815/The-Harm-Of-Tennessee-Immigrant-And.aspx.

 

    (2021 APR 1). Not Just 4-Pinocchios, Biden Masters Russian Propaganda Techniques. The Chattanoogan.com. https://www.chattanoogan.com/2021/4/1/425966/Not-Just-4-Pinocchios-Biden-Masters.aspx.

 

    (2020 May 9). Encouraging Illegal Aliens to Remain in The U.S. Is A Crime, U.S. Supreme Court Rules. The Chattanoogan.com. https://www.chattanoogan.com/2020/5/9/408822/Encouraging-Illegal-Aliens-To-Remain.aspx.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Gala holds a Ph.D. in a multidisciplinary field that includes Education: Thought and Policy with an emphasis in Social Contexts in Education and Criminology from the University of Rochester (NY); an M.S.Ed. in Educational Administration from the Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development; M.A. in Criminal Justice/Management and Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond, OK); B.S. in Criminal Justice from Rochester Institute of Technology, and A.A.S. in Police Science-Criminal Justice from Monroe Community College (NY, 1974). His academic performance resulted in him being inducted into Pi Gamma Mu - International Honor Society in Social Science, Alpha Phi Sigma - National Criminal Justice Honor Society, and Kappa Delta Pi - International Honor Society in Education.

 

As a Social Psychologist, his primary professional memberships include the American Psychological Association (APA) (Certified & Elected Member), Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI: Div. 9 - APA), Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice (SCFPP: Division 037 - APA), and Society for Research on Adolescence (SRA). He is also a member of the International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology (IACFP).

 

As a Criminologist, Dr. Gala is a member of the American Sociological Association (ASA), American Society of Criminology (ASC), American Evaluation Association (AEA), Southern Criminal Justice Association (SCJA) (Life Member), Southern Sociological Society (SSS), and Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS). He is also a member of The Authors Guild, Inc. (2000-Present) (http://ddgala.ag-sites.net/index.htm), Correctional Accreditation Managers' Association (2015-2019 - CAMA), American Correctional Association (ACA), American Jail Association (AJA), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), International Association of Correctional Training Personnel (IACTP), and Association of Certified Background Investigators (ACBI).

 

Dr. Gala is or has been appointed as a member of Committees for ACJS, SSSP, IACTP, and AJA, and an elected member of the Board of Directors with IACTP (until 2020). He is also on the Editorial Board of the online primary journal, Multicultural Learning and Teaching (http://www.bepress.com/mlt/editorialboard.html or http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/mlt). Dr. Gala also serves as a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Social Issues (JSI). The JSI is the flagship peer-reviewed journal of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI). See https://spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal/15404560/editorial-board/editorial-board.

 

In late 2010, Dr. Gala's published work and Ph.D. dissertation on social support theory in predicting an adolescent's engagement in delinquent behavior or disengagement in education or the propensity toward either was included in the Encyclopedia of Criminological Theory (Sage Publications). His introduction of social support theory involving juveniles is recognized as a major contribution to the literature in criminology.

 

Until 2020, Dr. Gala was the elected Director of Trainer Certification for the International Association of Correctional Training Personnel (IACTP) (12 years), He was given a 2-year appointment as the Co-Chair of the Correctional Trainer Certification Commission (CTCC) in November 2011, which is administered through the American Jail Association and IACTP, and a scheduled transition left the Commission in November 2013. Before November 2011, he was the Co-Vice Chair of the CTCC for 3-years. He was appointed to the Commission (CTCC) in January 2018, Also, was a Certified Correctional Trainer (Exp. 2026 - CTCC discontinued) and was a Certified Taser Instructor for 12 years until April 2018.

 

Dr. Gala has 8-years of adult education experience with progressive responsibilities in the positions of Lecturer, Assistant Professor, and Associate Professor (5 years) in higher education. He has held these positions in the fields of Criminal Justice and Education. From 2011 to 2014, Dr. Gala held a dual appointment in Criminal Justice and Education at a college in the South-Central region in the State of Tennessee.

 

In April 2022, Dr. Gala returned to hold the position of Executive Director/CEO/Chief Research Consultant/Sr. Trainer for The Gala Group, Inc., a nonprofit Tennessee Corporation (pending 501(c)(3) status), which he previously held from 2008 to 2019 when it was a for-profit corporation. As a Certified Correctional Trainer (CTCC), former Certified Taser Instructor (TTA), and former Certified PREA Auditor (USDOJ), Dr. Gala brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to any organization or client. Through several subject matter experts and professionals, TGG provides training (including previously approved P.O.S.T. in-service training modules), program evaluation, cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and research.

 

Through The Gala Group, Inc., Dr. Gala will continue to focus on police training use-of-force, multicultural training, communication skills, criminal investigations, and custody and non-custody interviews.

 

From 2019 to 2022 (APR), he was the President and Chief Research Consultant for Educational Consultants Network, Inc. (ECN) (NPO). Dr. Gala remained involved with ECN as a Board Member, providing his guidance and research skills when needed. As of January 2024, Dr. Gala returns to ECN as the Executive Director.

 

Educational Consultants Network, Inc. (ECN-NPO) continues to focus on research addressing the implementation of Social Support Questionnaires to identify students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades who have a propensity toward serious violent behavior. Students identified with a low Social Support Quotient (SSQ) and a high SVB quotient will be subjected to a mental health intervention program with a licensed Clinical Psychologist, including significant adults from home, and a primary teacher.

 

In 2008, Dr. Gala retired from federal service after 27+ years, which includes nearly twenty-one years of service with the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer/Sr. Case Manager (with law enforcement authority under 18 U.S.C. §3050 and Tenn. Code Ann. §38-3-113; and conducted administrative investigations and fully litigated cases before the U.S. EEOC while an EEO Employee Representative - 29 C.F.R. §1614.605 for five years). He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force (4 years), U.S. Air Force Reserve (active 1980-1982), and U.S. Army, receiving an Honorable Discharge from each Branch with various accommodations and awards. He is also a Master Mason, NYS F&AM, Clio Lodge #779, Hilton, NY (1984-pres).