Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police

The associate vice president for public safety and chief of police (AVP/Chief) serves as Towson University’s (TU) chief law enforcement executive and senior public safety administrator. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, the AVP/Chief provides strategic leadership and institutional perspective on matters of campus safety and security while overseeing the programs, operations, and services that ensure the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The AVP/Chief provides executive leadership for the Towson University Police Department (TUPD), a fully state-certified, sworn law enforcement agency, and oversees Parking Services, campus-wide access control, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) security systems. The AVP/Chief is responsible for the strategic planning, development, implementation, management, and evaluation of policies, procedures, and operational initiatives that support a safe, secure, and welcoming campus environment.

The position requires independent judgment, initiative, and strategic decision-making in directing public safety operations, advising university leadership, and ensuring the effective delivery of law enforcement, security, and emergency services. Responsibilities include overseeing a workforce of more than 100 sworn and civilian personnel and all departmental operations, enforcing applicable laws, maintaining a visible and responsive police presence, preventing and reducing campus crime, and fostering trust and positive relationships throughout the university community.

The AVP/Chief cultivates collaborative partnerships with key campus stakeholders, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies as well as neighboring jurisdictions. Through these relationships and strategic interagency agreements, the position advances coordinated public safety initiatives, collaborates closely with emergency management to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities, and promotes professionalism, transparency, and community engagement throughout the Towson University campus and surrounding community.

Spelman Johnson is assisting Towson University with this search. To apply for this position, please click here, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.