Florida A&M is looking for an experienced law-enforcement manager to run its police department. FAMU PD has been without a chief since April 2 when former chief Calvin Ross retired.
The Hollins group, an executive search and professional services firm, is screening applicants for the position. Applications closed on July 30.
FAMU is looking for an administrator with at least six years as an assistant police chief and a bachelor’s or master’s degree, according to the job ad from FAMU.
Sharon Saunders, who is the chief communications officer at FAMU, said the university is looking for someone to handle budgets, hire staffs and create safety plans for the university.
“It would be great to have someone with that experience in that capacity here on campus,” Saunders said.
There is no word as to whether the interim chief has submitted an application for the position. The committee is almost finished getting questions ready for potential candidates, but interviews have not yet been scheduled, said committee chairman Ebenezer Oriaku.
Ross announced nearly five months ago that he was retiring after 11 years of being the hief of police. In a letter to former FAMU President James H. Ammons, Ross said that he would devote his time to helping his wife’s “Infinit Productions” business venture. The couple decided that it would be best for him to retire. He had served in law enforcement for 40 years.
He has said he decided to delay his retirement until the investigation into the death of drum major Robert Champion was complete. Rumors had suggested that he retired because of the 26-year-old’s hazing death in Orlando in November 2011.
Assistant Chief John Earst has been serving as interim chief of police.
Oriaku said the committee wants to give all candidates a reasonable chance. “The most important thing is to make the selection process fair,” Oriaku said.
Oriaku said the set salary for the job is between $45,451.54 to $130,389.97. According to Oriaku, the committee has hopes filling the position before the fall semester begins in August.