New chief of police named at Kennesaw State University
Nationwide search culminates in selection of veteran law enforcement officer Roger
Lee Stearns…
Georgia
(Dec 19, 2013) —
Nationwide search culminates in selection of veteran law enforcement officer Roger
Lee Stearns
KENNESAW, Ga. (Dec. 19, 2013) — Kennesaw State University officials have named Roger
Lee Stearns, a seasoned higher education law enforcement administrator, as KSU’s newest
chief of police, effective Feb. 1, 2014.
Stearns joins Kennesaw State University with more than 20 years of law enforcement
experience in higher education. Most recently, he served as chief of police at the
University of Texas-Pan American for the past four years. Previously, Stearns served
on the police departments for Vanderbilt University, University of Texas-Dallas and
the University of Arkansas. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the
University of Arkansas and also attended the FBI National Academy in 2008.
“We conducted a nationwide search for a chief of police and selected Roger Lee Stearns
for this important position,” said Randy Hinds, vice president for operations, chief
information officer and chief business officer at Kennesaw State.
“Chief Stearns brings more than 20 years of community-oriented policing experience
in a variety of large university environments. His extensive law enforcement background
reflects his deep commitment to training and community-oriented policing. His proactive
leadership style will help him develop a strong partnership and great rapport with
the entire KSU community,” he added.
Stearns was chosen from among more than 100 applicants for the position, with four
finalists selected for interviews. The new chief replaces Ted Cochran, who retired
earlier this fall after 30 years of service with Kennesaw State.
As chief of police, Stearns will oversee the day-to-day public safety operations,
implement and enforce established safety and security policies and procedures, and
maintain positive relationships with faculty, staff, students and first responders.
He will oversee 73 employees, including sworn officers, security officers and administrative
personnel.
“With the direction that Kennesaw State University is going in, and with the consolidation
of the two campuses, this is a great opportunity to be part of something very positive,"
said Stearns.
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Kennesaw State University is the third-largest university in Georgia, offering 90
graduate and undergraduate degrees, including doctorates in education, business and
nursing and a Ph.D. in international conflict management. A member of the University
System of Georgia, Kennesaw State is a comprehensive, residential institution with
a growing student population of more than 24,600 from 130 countries.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its approximately 41,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the third-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status, and one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
