University of South Alabama hires new police chief
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — The University of South Alabama named a new police chief this week, according to a press release.
Darren J. Baxley was named for the position, though he does not officially start until June 10.
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“The security of our students, faculty, staff and patients is and will continue to be a priority, which is reflected in this announcement,” University of South Alabama President Jo Bonner said. “Fundamental to all our work of promoting discovery, health and learning is meeting the safety needs of our community and visitors.”
Baxley is a veteran law enforcement officer at the University of Florida where he most recently served as deputy chief of police.
School administrators interviewed Baxley over two days including meetings with students, faculty and staff.
He was selected after a nationwide search.
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“Darren’s collaborative, student-focused approach to police work and leadership experience at a university with an academic medical center make him perfectly suited for this role,” Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Andi Kent and Chief Administrative Officer Peter Susman said. “We look forward to him bringing the skills he’s honed at Florida to our campuses.”
Baxley will take over for Phil Fishel, who has served as the school’s interim chief of police since June 2022. Fishel will continue with the department.
“We want to offer a special thanks to Phil Fishel for his leadership of the department and his continued commitment to the safety of all the members of our USA community and visitors,” Susman said.
“Phil’s service to South spans more than 20 years, and he will be instrumental in this transition as we welcome Chief Baxley.”
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Baxley made remarks after his hiring was announced.
“I am humbled and honored to be joining the University of South Alabama community,” Baxley said. “It was apparent to me after visiting campus and getting an opportunity to meet some of the students, faculty and staff that this is a special place with energy and enthusiasm that you can sense.
“I am truly excited to be a part of the shared responsibility of fostering a safe campus environment for everyone in the community,” Baxley said.
“We should strive to reduce crime by engaging with our community and working collaboratively to problem-solve before a crime takes place,” he continued. “Once a crime has occurred, we need to have the ability to quickly react in a well-trained and professional way.
“Just as important, especially in a higher education setting, a department should offer educational training to the community to help foster a safer campus environment.”
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