Doug Dretke, executive director of Sam Houston State University’s Correctional Management Institute of Texas (CMIT), has been named a recipient of the 2024 E. R. Cass Correctional Achievement Award by the American Correctional Association. The recognition honors the most dedicated corrections professionals and is considered the highest accolade in the industry.
Dretke follows in the footsteps of George J. Beto, who received the award in 1972.
Dretke said, “I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition.”
While Dretke is honored by the award, he shares this award with his CMIT colleagues and the SHSU community. Without their support, the outstanding work that he and his peers produce would not be possible.
Phillip Lyons, SHSU College of Criminal Justice dean, says the honor for Dretke is well deserved. He said, “During his tenure with CMIT, he has cemented the SHSU College of Criminal Justice as a training destination for corrections professionals from around the world. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
