High-ranking Columbus officer named next Columbus State University police chief
Columbus State University has announced a long-time and high ranking Columbus Police Department officer will be the new chief of the University Police Department.
CPD Assistant Chief Debra Kennedy will take over as chief of CSU’s police department on June 1, CSU said in a news release.
Kennedy is a two-time graduate of CSU with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration, according to the release.
“Debra has an impeccable reputation in this community,” CSU President Stuart Rayfield said in the news release. “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.”
Kennedy said in the news release that she was “honored” to take the job and “grateful” for being trusted by the university community.
“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 said in the news release.
Kennedy started her career as a patrol officer for CPD in 1992 and has worked in several leadership roles, including assistant chief of CPD, according to the news release.
“In addition to her Columbus State degrees, she is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command, has taught as an adjunct instructor, is a member of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and has specialized training in a variety of areas, including prescription drug investigations, high-risk warrant execution and narcotics investigations,” the release says.
Kennedy’s new role comes after the former chief, Laura Bennett, retired last year. Josh Smith has served as acting chief since then, according to Michael Tullier, CSU’s executive director of strategic communication and marketing. Smith will stay in that role until Kennedy takes over on June 1.
Columbus police didn’t immediately respond to request for comment.
This story was originally published May 14, 2025 at 12:05 PM.