Debra Kennedy Named Columbus State University’s New Police Chief

Columbus State University has appointed veteran law enforcement officer Debra Kennedy as the new chief of its University Police Department, the university announced Tuesday. Kennedy, currently assistant chief of the Columbus Police Department, will assume her new role on June 1.

With 33 years of law enforcement experience, Kennedy brings a wealth of operational and leadership expertise to the university's campus safety team. A Columbus native and two-time graduate of Columbus State, Kennedy has served in nearly every division of the city’s police department since joining in 1992.

“Debra has an impeccable reputation in this community,” said Columbus State University President Stuart Rayfield. “Our current officers were excited about the possibility of her taking command here, and I look forward to us all benefiting from her expertise and experience.”

As assistant chief, Kennedy has overseen the CPD’s Patrol and Investigative Services Bureaus, as well as administrative and support services including training, 911 operations, and evidence management. She has also served as a liaison to the university police in cross-jurisdictional efforts.

“I am deeply honored to accept the position of chief of police at Columbus State University,” Kennedy said. “I’m excited to use my 33 years of law enforcement experience to commit to providing a safe environment for students to learn in and for faculty and staff to work in.”

Kennedy added that she looks forward to introducing new community policing strategies and fostering stronger ties between the campus and its police department.

In addition to her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from CSU, Kennedy is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command, and a member of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. She has taught as an adjunct instructor and completed specialized training in areas such as narcotics investigations and high-risk warrant execution.

Her appointment follows a national trend of universities turning to experienced local law enforcement leaders to bolster campus safety and expand community engagement.

Kennedy will officially step into the role on June 1.