Johnson C. Smith University has hired Gregory Harris, a former criminal justice instructor at South Carolina State University, as its new police chief.

Harris begins his new job Feb. 15. He will oversee a force of sworn officers, security officers and auxiliary student patrol officers. He also will help establish the school’s first dispatch center.

Harris said he first interviewed for the job in December and that his hiring had noting to do with the Jan. 18 fight that resulted in 15 students being suspended or expelled.

He said he was attracted to JCSU by the school’s history. He said he also liked what he saw when visiting Charlotte.

Harris was introduced to the campus on Thursday at a meet-and-greet attended by students and faculty.

JCSU President Ronald Carter said the university is seeing substantial growth, which has put new demands on campus security. In December, the university unveiled plans for a new visual and performing arts center on West Trade Street – its first leap beyond its Beatties Ford Road campus. The campus also has begun hosting a growing number of events that are open to the public.

Harris has more than 20 years of experience in fields relating to public safety.

He directed public and private law enforcement agencies in cities such as Atlanta, Marietta, Ga., Orangeburg, S.C. and Clemson, SC. He also directed security for a parking venue during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta and managed security operations at the 2007 Democratic presidential debate at SC State.

Harris is a 1994 graduate of Saint Leo University, where he received a BA degree in criminology (Magna Cum Laude). He received his Masters degree in public administration from Kennesaw State University in 1998.
 

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