Program: Criminal and Justice Studies
Tauya Forst’s interest in law became apparent at an early age.
“My interest began with the disparities in skill, resources and finances for those in need of representation,” she said. “Also, the opportunity to analyze a case from many perspectives is exciting and challenging.”
Forst earned her bachelor’s degree at Bradley University, a Master of Science in Criminal and Justice Studies at Grand Canyon University and her law degree at Northern Illinois University, after which she amassed an impressive range of legal experiences. She was a mitigation specialist in a death penalty case and disposed of more than 200 juvenile cases, and later she founded her own firm and was general counsel to 20 small- to medium-size companies.
Now Forst is at College of DuPage, where she teaches in the Criminal and Justice Studies program. It brings together her two passions – law and education.
“It is the intersection of both which leads students to paths where they are able to reach their highest potential,” she said. “I would love for my students to take away a genuine desire to question information that they receive and the tools to determine its validity. I hope students recognize that criminal justice must provide a more restorative perspective if it is to be successful.”
Forst is inspired by her faith, her parents and her husband and their desire for her to be the best that she can be. She also gains much from her students.
“Teaching provides a wonderful opportunity to learn as well as be taught,” she said. “I am inspired and amazed at my students who continuously overwhelm me with their educational, personal and professional accomplishments.”
More about the Criminal and Justice Studies program