October 3, 2025

Today, Columbus State University celebrates the swearing-in of Debra Kennedy as chief over the University Police Department.  
 
Since the beginning of her tenure in June, Chief Kennedy has applied her extensive knowledge and skills to enhance public safety on campus and build a positive relationship between the University Police Department and the CSU community.  
 
“We’re fortunate to now benefit from her extensive portfolio of public safety experience,” CSU President Stuart Rayfield says. “Her impeccable community reputation and her vision for cultivating new community policing initiatives will enhance the relationship between our police department and the students who learn and live on our campuses, our employees who work here, and our community that benefits from all we offer the region.” 
 
Surrounded by supportive executives, employees, local law enforcement, past colleagues, friends and family, Chief Kennedy was welcomed into her well-deserved role.  
 
Judge John T. Martin, Sr., a lifelong resident of Muscogee County and Superior Court judge for the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit helped swear in Chief Kennedy.  
 
“I want to thank President Rayfield and the executive leadership members for trusting me to lead this department. I will choose to prioritize safety on this campus, to say it, mean it and do it. Our officers and I are always approachable and deeply connected to the campus and our community. I am truly honored to serve CSU,” says Chief Kennedy.  
 
Read more about Chief Kennedy’s background and experience on our news site: https://news.columbusstate.edu/posts/kennedy-named-new-columbus-state-police-chief/ 
 

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