U-WIRE-01/23/2006-Middle Tennessee State U.: Middle Tennessee State U. begins search for new police chief (C) 2006 Sidelines Via U-WIRE
By Josh Holliday, Sidelines (Middle Tennessee State U.)
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- The search process for a new chief of police and director of public safety at Middle Tennessee State University has begun a year and a half after the resignation of Jack Drugmand, who held the position for 24 years. "We are looking for an individual with extensive experience in a campus environment, which poses different problems than a community security environment," said senior vice president of business and finance John Cothern.
Cothern is in charge of the interview process with the help of several committees.
The chief's job is a seven-day a week, 24-hour job. Essentially, he's 'on call' all the time.
His salary is approximately $65,000, said Cothern.
"A university campus is a closed community for the most part and has its own unique problems," Cothern said. "Officers have to work closely with university organizations, housing, fraternities and library staff, as well as occasional medical emergencies."
John D. Hays, MTSU's assistant university counsel, said candidates from as far away as Georgia and Louisiana are currently being interviewed.
Hays said the committee is looking for a strong leader with experience in campus environment enforcement.
Current interim chief of police Roy Brewer is one of many candidates competing for the job. Brewer has held the position since Drugmand's resignation.
The first applicant interviewed was Sylvia Russell, currently assistant chief of police at Tennessee State University. Also under consideration are Carl Peaster, captain of police at Georgia Southern University and Al Carter, previous assistant chief of police at Nichols State University in Louisiana.
A final decision is expected within 30 days.
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