Tuskegee University names new police chief

Joshua Phillips – Photo from Tuskegee University

Tuskegee University will soon welcome a new police chief.

Joshua  Phillips has been named the university’s new chief of police, effective April 7. Phillips has served as chief for the Cherokee Police Department in Alabama for the last five years where he led crime reduction initiatives, enhanced officer training programs and strengthened community relationships, according to the university.  

“Tuskegee University has made a number of safety and security enhancements and I am confident Chief Phillips can lead us through our plans to complete those efforts,” Dr. Mark  A. Brown, Tuskegee University President and CEO, said. “His experience will be essential in student engagement and  partnering with local law enforcement agencies in the area. I am especially grateful for his deep experience in community engagement which is exactly what we want for our university community.” 

Chief Phillips holds a Master’s of Science in Administration of Justice and Security with a concentration in Law Enforcement Organizations from the University of Phoenix. He received his  Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Alabama.  

“I am committed to fostering a safe and inclusive campus environment,” Chief Phillips said. ”I  look forward to working closely with students, faculty and staff to enhance safety measures and  maintain the university’s strong legacy of excellence. I believe in implementing proactive policing strategies that build trust between law enforcement and the Tuskegee University  community.” 

Chief Phillips is a member of the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Colbert County Emergency Response and Recovery Board and the Colbert County Drug Task Force Board.  

His law enforcement career has also included roles as police officer at University of North Alabama, police sergeant at Leighton Police Department and deputy sergeant at the Colbert County Sheriff’s Office.

As Action 8 News has reported, Tuskegee University has been making many changes to security following a mass shooting on campus last year, which killed an 18-year-old from Troy, who was not a student. 16 others were hurt.