FAMU Welcomes New Police Chief Audrey Alexander During Swearing-In Ceremony

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University (FAMU) celebrated the official swearing-in of its new Chief of Police, Audrey Alexander, in an inspiring ceremony held at the Perry Paige Auditorium on Oct. 11. The event, which marked a significant milestone for FAMU’s Department of Public Safety, was attended by university officials, local dignitaries, and members of the FAMU community.

FAMU Chief of Police, Audrey Alexander was sworn-in on Oct. 11. Platform guests pictured include: FAMU Interim President Timothy Beard; Rebecca Brown, senior vice president of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer; Chief Alexander; Erica Herring, senior inspector at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation; Carmen Cummings, assistant vice president of University Engagement/Alumni Affairs; and Rev. Douglas M. Harris, pastor of Midway Unity Fellowship.

 

Carmen Cummings, assistant vice president of University Engagement/Alumni Affairs, ushered the audience of more than 100 guests through a program filled with tributes, beginning with an invocation from Reverend Douglas M. Harris, pastor of Midway Unity Fellowship Church. Harris set the tone for the occasion with a heartfelt prayer, asking for guidance and protection for Chief Alexander and the entire campus community.

Erica Herring, senior inspector at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, welcomed attendees, emphasizing the Chief Audrey’s commitment through the years in her various roles to ensure safety and security on campus.

During his remarks, FAMU Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., described Alexander’s experience and passion to protect and serve as some of the salient qualities that were a priority to identify in FAMU’s next leader.

“Chief Alexander brings unwavering dedication, a proven track record, and a steadfast commitment to our vision of creating a safer, more engaged campus community,” said Beard. “Her leadership will undoubtedly continue to shape a police department that reflects the values of FAMU — one that ensures the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and surrounding neighbors.”

The ceremonial administration of the Oath of Office was conducted by Rebecca Brown, senior vice president of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. As Chief Alexander officially took her oath, her family, sorority sisters from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and dozens of safety and law enforcement officers from surrounding agencies looked on with pride, knowing that she brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her new role.

Police Chief Audrey Alexander is joined by members of the FAMU Police Department during her Swearing-In Ceremony held Friday, Oct. 11, 2204 at FAMU.

 

In her first address as Chief of Police, Alexander expressed her gratitude and vision for the future of campus safety.

"I am deeply honored to serve this institution, and I pledge to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our campus community. Together, we will build a safe, inclusive environment where everyone can feel secure," said Alexander. “Thank you for believing in me and I’m going to give you everything I have because this is what I want to do, this is not a job to me, but an assignment. I once was a student here, and I have a responsibility to protect the students now.”

Prior to her appointment as chief of police, she served as assistant director/administrative lieutenant in the department from June 2022 until present. In that role, she was responsible for overseeing 25 sworn and non-sworn officers, development of departmental budgets, and implementation of community policing initiatives. Alexander has also served as interim chief of police, administrative sergeant, investigator and patrol officer. She is also certified as a 911 telecommunicator/dispatcher.

Alexander spent 24 years in the military before retiring as a major. She served in the U.S. Army Reserve and Florida National Guard. She held numerous positions of leadership that included executive officer, company commander, platoon leader, squad leader and investigative officer. Her service also included a one-year tour of duty in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Alexander holds three degrees from FAMU. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and master’s degrees in public administration and adult education.

 

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