Professional Bio

Robert T. Norvell is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Criminology in Penn State’s Department of Sociology and Criminology. A former prosecutor, public defender, and criminal defense attorney in Florida, he brings more than two decades of courtroom experience to courses on criminal law, criminal courts, and forensic evidence. Before joining Penn State, he taught at the University of Central Arkansas and Palm Beach Atlantic University, where he developed practice-focused classes in public speaking, argumentation, and American criminal law.

Norvell’s teaching emphasizes comparative perspectives and real-world application—how courts actually operate across jurisdictions—while grounding students in doctrine and evidentiary standards. His pedagogy has been recognized with UCA’s Experiential Opportunity Award, and he has served on the university Institutional Review Board. In legal practice, he tried felony and misdemeanor jury cases, led a felony division at the Public Defender’s Office in Florida’s Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, and later maintained a criminal defense practice. He also chaired the City of West Palm Beach’s Nuisance Abatement Board and led a youth sailing nonprofit that funded scholarships for underserved students.

Norvell clerked for the Honorable Elizabeth A. Kovachevich in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. His community service has been recognized by Quantum House with Volunteer of the Year honors. Outside the classroom, he is an avid mountaineer and musician.

Judge Caroline C. Shepherd of Florida’s Fifteenth Judicial Circuit has commended Norvell’s integrity, command of criminal law, and ability to engage students through clear, practical instruction—qualities that shape his approach to mentoring and experiential learning in the classroom (letter on file with the faculty member).