ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Gregory C. Harris, a veteran law enforcement professional, has been hired as the chief of police at SC State University. Harris formerly served as the university’s top cop from 2006 to 2010. His responsibilities will include the direction and control of law enforcement functions and the safety and security of SC State campus.
His new appointment officially begins on Aug. 18.
Harris, who brings 23 years of experience to the position, is thankful that he was given the opportunity to return to the university.
“I am happy to be back in Orangeburg and to be a part of Bulldog Nation. I feel that it is an opportunity for me to finish some of the work I started years ago,” he says.
“Under President Thomas J. Elzey’s leadership, I will be given the opportunity to do what is necessary to make it a true campus law enforcement agency that serves the students, faculty and staff,” he continues.
Prior to being named chief of police at SC State University, Harris served as the director of law enforcement services/chief of police for four years at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C.
At JCSU, he was responsible for the security and safety of the university’s campus and its immediate surrounding areas, building relationships with local law enforcement officials and assisting with the enhancement of the university’s image in the Charlotte community.
Harris headed to JCSU after serving four years at SC State. One of the many highlights of Harris’ tenure at SC State, he says, was managing and directing security operations at the 2007 Democratic Presidential Debate held at the university.
Harris’ professional background includes serving as the former chief of police for Clemson University, the second largest Division 1 university police department in the state of South Carolina with a $2.6 million budget and a staff of 32 sworn law enforcement officers, seven certified dispatchers, ten parking enforcement officers and 40 auxiliary student patrol officers.
He is a member of several law enforcement organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.
He is also a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Harris received a Bachelor of Arts in criminology from Saint Leo University in 1994. In 1998, he later received a Master of Public Administration from Kennesaw State University.
