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Charleston Business

Former Charleston Police Chief Named To Clemson University Post

Aug 14, 2018 03:43PM ● By Kathleen Maris

Greg Mullen has been named associate vice president for public safety and chief of police at Clemson University. He was appointed to fill this role on an interim basis in May and was appointed to this role on a permanent basis at the conclusion of a national search to fill the position.

“When I learned of this opportunity, I felt that it was a perfect place for me to utilize all the education, training, and experience that I had developed over my career,” said Mullen, who retired last year as chief of the Charleston Police Department. He replaced Jami Brothers, who was named assistant vice president for security planning and business continuity in the Division of Student Affairs. He reports to Vice President for Student Affairs Almeda Jacks.

“Greg has been here a short time, but he already has shown he can have a positive impact on the Clemson University Police Department and the campus community,” Jacks said. “Like everyone in Clemson’s administration and on the Student Affairs team, he is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone on our campus.”

Mullen comes to Clemson with 30 years of experience in law enforcement, including 11 as Charleston chief. During his tenure, the department significantly reduced violent crime, implemented innovative programs addressing intimate partner and family violence, launched successful youth enrichment programs, built strong community partnerships, and enhanced technology capabilities.

“I understand the importance of balancing public safety while creating an environment where people feel free to enjoy themselves,” said Mullen, who was also an officer in Virginia Beach, a city that, like Charleston, relies on tourism. “At Clemson, our goals are to educate students and make sure they go out and impact the world while providing a safe and enjoyable environment for them to grow and enjoy their college experience.”

He said he has learned from experiences such as the Emmanuel AME Church shootings in 2015 how important it is to create relationships and trust among the people he works with.

“When a major incident occurs, people need to trust that you will do the right thing,” he said.

“You can’t respond only from a law enforcement perspective; you must respond from a community perspective and the needs of the people within it. It has embedded in me the importance of relationships and building community connections.”

Mullen previously worked at the Virginia Beach Police Department as an officer and eventually deputy chief role from 2002–06. He held leadership roles in several units, including patrol, investigations, narcotics, criminal intelligence, training, and resort management. He also led professional development efforts for more than 1,000 sworn and civilian members.

In 2004 and 2005, he was appointed to the Virginia State Crime Commission Task Force to study cybercrime and effective monitoring of sexual offenders.

Mullen earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology from St. Leo College in Florida (1998) and a master’s in public administration from Old Dominion University (2003). He is a retired veteran of the U.S. Air Force with 22 years of combined active and reserve service.