Randall (Randy) Shelden of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026 at the age of 82. He was born on October 2, 1943 to George and Myrna Shelden in Glendale, CA.

Randy spent his childhood in San Fernando, CA, where he aspired to become a professional baseball pitcher out of high school. He soon changed course and served in the U.S. Navy before attending college and receiving his Ph.D in sociology from Southern Illinois University.

Following his education, Randy began his career as a criminal justice professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1977 until his retirement in 2024. He authored/co-authored over 20 books and numerous articles contributing to the field. A highly esteemed professor, he received UNLV’s Outstanding Teacher Award six times and was widely admired for his ability to inspire students to think critically about justice and social change.

Randy’s love for baseball continued throughout his life, as he was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and turned his writing to a book about his passion, An Improbable Rise. He loved 50’s music, the New England Patriots, golf, fishing and was a natural cat whisperer.

His friendship, generosity and quiet humor enriched the lives of all who knew him.

He is survived by his stepdaughter, Marcie Collins-Stout; niece, Terii Dionne and grandnephew, Sean Hawkes.

Preceded in death by his parents, George and Myrna Shelden; sister, Carole Dionne.

A Celebration of Life may be scheduled at a later date.