Kennesaw State University Police Chief Resigns

KENNESAW, GA -- Kennesaw State University Police Chief Roger Stearns is stepping down, Patch has learned. Stearns announced his resignation, effective Aug. 31, the university said in an email to Patch.

The news was delivered to faculty and staff Monday. (SIGN UP: For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. Or if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

No reason was given for Stearns' departure in the email, which was written by Jeff Milsteen, KSU’s chief legal affairs officer. Deputy Chief Edward Stephens will reportedly fill the role of acting police chief.

Below is the letter sent to KSU faculty and staff on Stearns' resignation:

To All Faculty and Staff:

This afternoon Kennesaw State Chief of Police Roger Stearns announced his resignation, effective August 31. The University will be launching a national search to find his replacement.

Deputy Chief Edward Stephens will serve as acting chief of police beginning Tuesday, Aug. 1. Chief Stearns will work with the deputy chief and others within the university during this period to ensure a smooth transition.
Local media reported that Stearns had been the subject of some internal review related to leadership concerns.

Stearns' departure comes amid the shuffling of several top posts at the university. KSU appointed Michael Parkerson as associate vice president of government relations, effective Tuesday, the university announced. Director of Athletics Vaughn Williams recently left for a senior associate athletic director position at Boston College and Matt Griffin has been appointed to serve as interim director of athletics.

Stearns has served as KSU police chief since 2014, according to his bio on the university's website. He has more than 20 years' experience in campus law enforcement. Before coming to Kennesaw, he served for five years as the chief of police at the University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg, Texas.

Image via Kennesaw State University