Columbus State University News

Bishop presents $313K in congressional funding for campus public safety

February 6, 2026

An image showing (from left) Columbus State University Police Chief Debra Kennedy, Columbus State President Stuart Rayfield and U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop holding an oversized ceremonial check for $313,000 from the U.S. Department of Treasury. The check, which is made out to Columbus State University, is designated for police cruisers and campus safety equipment. The three are standing in front of a blue backdrop featuring the Columbus State University logo.

New congressional funding promises to significantly enhance public safety and emergency response capabilities at Columbus State University. The $313,000 in federal funds, presented ceremoniously on Friday, Feb. 6, by U.S. Rep. Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02), will enable the university’s police force to acquire critical technology and equipment, enhancing patrol effectiveness, officer response times and the department’s investigative capabilities.

The community-directed funding, included in FY26 appropriations, will go toward several key upgrades to CSU’s public safety infrastructure. These include two new police cruisers, mobile data terminals, and new security cameras for both the Main Campus and the RiverPark Campus. Bishop, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, emphasized that investments like these are vital for ensuring that Georgia’s educational institutions remain safe environments for learning.

“These funds will go a long way toward making Columbus State even safer for its students, faculty, staff, visitors and the surrounding community,” the congressman stated. “They will support peace of mind, promote mental health, and project the reputation of our community and this campus.”

Columbus State President Stuart Rayfield expressed gratitude for the federal support, highlighting the impact these resources will have on the campus community. She also lauded members of the university’s state and federal legislative delegations for their continued advocacy that improves academics, student success and the college experience.

“Campus safety is the most important investment we can make,” Rayfield said. “We cannot have classes, residence halls and employees here if we don’t have a safe campus. [This technology] will allow us to be more efficient, and to be safer.”

University Police Chief Debra Kennedy explained that additional cruisers will help university police officers establish a broader, more visible presence across both university campuses. The cameras—both upgrades and additions to existing technology—will expand the department’s patrol coverage while helping solve crimes more quickly.

“From the perspective of our students, parents and employees, investments in campus safety by our [government leaders] indicate how they view their responsibility in keeping us all safe,” Kennedy said.

Main image: U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (right) presents a $313,000 ceremonial check to President Stuart Rayfield (middle) and University Police Chief Debra Kennedy (left)

Media contact: Michael Tullier, APR, Executive Director of Strategic Communication + Marketing, 706.507.8729, mtullier@columbusstate.edu