Dr. Max Futrell, a former Criminology Department chair and professor emeritus, passed away on April 28. He was 88 years old.

The former department chair began teaching part time at Fresno State in 1970 and became a lecturer in 1971. He was elevated to assistant professor in 1972 and to professor in 1981 before he retired in 2006. He also served as the chair of the Department of Criminology from 1987 to 1997 and as the interim dean for the College of Social Sciences from 2001 to 2002.

He was recognized for Outstanding Service with the Fresno State Criminology Alumni Association in 1994 and by the College of Social Sciences for his years of service from 1970 to 2006. He also received an honorary citation from President Bill Clinton.

Among the criminology classes he taught was a combined classroom instruction with practical law enforcement experience with local agencies. Students were sworn in as reserve deputy sheriffs and learned about constitutional law, patrol procedure, search and seizure, sheriff’s office policy and other areas. They worked in a variety of law enforcement areas, such as civil, detective, juvenile, warrants, bailiff, security, identification bureau and patrol.

This real-world teaching opportunity was aided by his background as a sheriff’s office field deputy in the 1960s. Soon after he was promoted to sergeant in 1971, he left to join Fresno State full time.

He also traveled internationally as a faculty member and shared his findings with students from visits to correctional facilities in Brazil, Africa, Greece and China.

His expertise was additionally utilized as the president of the California Association of Administration of Justice Educators. He was also a member of the International Footprint Association and a state public safety education advisory committee.

Earlier in his career, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963 and was honorably discharged as a Radioman E-5 (Petty Officer Second Class). He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fresno State and his Ed.D. from the University of Southern California.

In retirement, he enjoyed traveling to places like Maui. An avid reader, he also loved meeting friends and retired coworkers for coffee.