J. Harrison Watts, PhD, MJur
Professor of Business Administration
MBA Director
Main Building, Room 326C
210-528-6833
jhwatts@ollusa.edu
Areas of Expertise
I possess a broad range of teaching and practical experience in the academic fields
of Business Administration, Management, Economics, Business Law, Human Resource Management,
Criminal Justice, Policing, Criminal and Civil Law, Constitutional Rights, Political
Science, Military History, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that hands-on learning and real-world application are the most powerful and lasting forms of education. While I recognize that theory provides a necessary framework for understanding, true mastery occurs when students apply those concepts in practice. I emphasize doing over memorizing鈥攈elping students develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills required to succeed beyond the classroom.
In my courses, students 鈥渓earn by doing鈥� through applied projects, case studies, role-play simulations, and experiential assignments that mirror real workplace and organizational challenges. This approach not only deepens comprehension but also fosters confidence, professionalism, and adaptability鈥攖raits that employers and graduate programs consistently value.
Equally important, I believe that networking and engagement are integral to higher education. The relationships students form with classmates, faculty, and staff become part of a lifelong professional network that continues to support them throughout their careers. By fostering collaboration, communication, and mentorship, I strive to help students build a community of learning that extends well beyond graduation.
Outside Interests
Outside of the university, I am deeply committed to service, leadership, and applied training through my role as Battalion Executive Officer for Operational Special Teams Training in the Texas State Guard, a component of the Texas Military Department. In this capacity, I oversee specialized training programs in dive operations, boat operations, search and rescue, engineering, and instructor development. This position allows me to integrate my educational philosophy into real-world mission environments鈥攅mphasizing teamwork, leadership, and practical skill mastery under demanding conditions.
Beyond my professional and military service, I enjoy traveling, attending sporting events, maintaining personal fitness, and spending time with family. These pursuits provide balance and perspective, reinforcing my belief that lifelong learning and personal growth occur both inside and outside the classroom.
Professional Memberships
- American Academic and Business Research Institute 鈥� Member
- Southwestern Social Science Association 鈥� Member
- Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences - Member
- Southwestern Association of Criminal Justice 鈥� Past President (2024-2025)
- Oklahoma Criminal Justice Association - Past President (2007-2008)
- Phi Lambda Chi (Greek Fraternity) - Alumni and Faculty Advisor, Cameron University
- Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice Honor Society) - Faculty Advisor, Alumni Member, Cameron University
- Phi Theta Kappa (Two Year College Honor Society) - Past Chapter President & Alumni Member, Vernon College
- Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honor Society) - Alumni Member, Midwestern State University
- Military Order of St. Johns of Jerusalem of 1798 - Novice Knight
- Scottish American Military Society - Member Post 1836
- American Legion - Member Post 667
Awards
- Texas A&M University, School of Law Alumni Legacy Award for Outstanding Legal Masters, 2024
- Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Outstanding Mentor Award, 2019
- Muriel D. Clarke Student Life Award, Washburn University, 2011-2012
- Student Life Achieving Excellence Award, Washburn University, 2011-2012
- SOAR Award, Student Club Advisor of the Year, Washburn University, 2011
- Cameron University Criminal Justice Advisor of the Year, 2008
Education
- PhD - Business Administration, Northcentral University, Prescott Valley, Arizona
- Master of Business Administration in Economics, Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia
- Master of Business Administration, University of the Southwest, Hobbs, New Mexico
- Master of Jurisprudence - Business Law and Compliance, Texas A&M University, School of Law, College Station, Texas
- Master of Arts in Law - Alternative Dispute Resolution, Regent University, School of Law, Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Master of Science - Human Resource Management, Golden Gate University, Edward S. Ageno School of Business, San Francisco, California
- Master of Arts in Public Management - Political Science/ Public Administration, Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas
- Master of Arts - History and Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas
- Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences - Criminal Justice, Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas
- Associate of Applied Sciences - Farm and Ranch Management, Vernon College, Vernon, Texas