Richard Dean Hurley of Jonesborough has been named chief of campus safety at Tusculum.
Hurley comes to Tusculum after a 38-year career with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
During his time with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Hurley served as commander of the statewide enforcement operation and supervised approximately 850 people in law enforcement operations and special assignments.
He also oversaw statewide law enforcement operations, disciplinary actions, promotional interviews, evaluations and recommendations for hiring highway patrol personnel.
“Tusculum is fortunate to have someone of Lt. Col. Hurley’s experience join the Tusculum team,” said Dr. James Hurley, president for Tusculum. “As we move forward to reorganize this department, Lt. Col. Hurley will provide the oversight and leadership we need for our new professional campus safety department.”
Richard Dean Hurley
In his new role Lt. Col. Hurley will be responsible for planning, organizing, directing, coordinating and evaluating all campus safety activities to ensure compliance with all certification requirements. He will promote adherence to all college policies and procedures and establish a foundation for the accountability necessary to assure safety of students, staff, faculty, invitees and visitors on campus property, in campus facilities and at institutional events by enforcing campus policies and regulations.
He will supervise and oversee the training for all Tusculum commissioned safety officers.
“It is extremely exciting for me to be chosen as chief of campus safety for Tusculum,” said Lt. Col. Hurley. “The safety of both students and staff is my number one priority. They will be assured that the environment in which they study and work is safe and secure. It is my aspiration to see that visibility and accountability of campus safety officers will be evident to everyone on campus.”
He added, “The administration at Tusculum has enlightened me of the goals they wish to achieve. I feel that I possess the experience and leadership skills it will take to accomplish these goals.”
Lt. Col. Hurley holds a Master of Arts in criminology from East Tennessee State University, where he also earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He also holds an associate degree in criminal justice technology from Walters State Community College.
He has served as an adjunct faculty member at King University and at East Tennessee State University. He has also provided numerous training opportunities through the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Walters State and other state organizations.