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Marizza Plaza

Instructor, Criminal Justice

Educational Background

  • University of Texas - El Paso, Texas: 2001 B.A.: Major: Psychology Minor: Legal Reasoning
  • J. Reuben Clark Law School  - Provo, Utah: 2004 J.D.
  • University of Texas - El Paso, Texas: 2012 M.Ed.
  • The Association of College and University Educators and the American Council on Education (ACUE): 2018 Certification of Effective College Instruction 
  • Aims Community College - Greeley, Colorado: 2024 Online Instructor Certification

Professional Background

I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Shortly after completing my master’s degree in education, I decided to begin a new chapter in my life by moving to Colorado. Since 2012, the state of Colorado has been my home; even still, I will always be a Texan. My parents and siblings continue to reside there and I often go to visit them. I have every intention of remaining in this beautiful state where I have grown children and grandchildren. My mother and father, from Mexico and Spain, respectively, have always supported me in my academic endeavors. Particularly, as a Hispanic-serving institution, I couldn’t be happier to serve students at Aims Community College.

My pursuits in college were primarily in psychology. I was fascinated by this field. It was my political science college instructor that encouraged me to consider law school. After taking a torts class, I decided to apply to law school. In my third year of law school, I taught undergraduate students the principles of mediation and arbitration, and absolutely loved it. I returned to Texas after completing law school and completed my graduate studies in education.

Teaching the law, more specifically as it correlates to the criminal justice system, is my favorite subject. Nonetheless, I have also taught Business Law & Ethics, among other business courses. I have been teaching college courses since 2008 and continue to find such fulfillment in teaching.

Personal Interests

My hobbies include taking dance classes, occasional horseback riding, reading books on the American Revolution, bike-riding, baking and spending time with my family.