University swears in police chief

Florida A&M’s police chief who was appointed in May was sworn in Tuesday as the university police department’s fifth police chief.

Terence Calloway, of Cleveland, has more than 18 years of law enforcement experience. Prior to coming to FAMU, Calloway served as Austin Peay State University’s police chief and director of public safety.

William Hudson, vice president of student affairs, appointed Calloway. Hudson saw Calloway’s plans and timeline to implement various campus activities and security as strong and effective and deemed him as the perfect fit.

“When we discussed his vision, his passion for the students and how student-friendly he was at his previous institution, I knew that he was the right candidate for the job,” Hudson said. “In our discussions with students, faculty and staff, he gave the best presentation.”

Calloway earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from David N. Myers University and his master’s in public administration from Tiffin University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 244.

Calloway, who has served many roles in law enforcement, including patrol officer, DARE officer, school resource officer, lieutenant and vice officer, said he is honored to be at FAMU. This is an opportunity to work and serve at not only one historically black college, he said, but the best HBCU.

He said he believes in teamwork and gives much credit to his staff’s hard work and dedication.

“Change is hard for a lot of people … a lot of times,” Calloway said. “When I came in, they weren’t sure what they were getting; I wasn’t sure what I was getting, and I’m probably still not sure. But collectively, each time I’ve asked them to do something, they’ve stood up and said, ‘Chief, no matter what it is, we’re going to get it taken care of.’ “

Merissa Evans, a graduating political science/pre-law student from Monticello, Fla., pinned Calloway during the ceremony. She said she’s very excited about his new position.

“It’s something about him that makes him different from most chief of police,” Evans said. “I’ve been here for four years, and I have never ever met any of our chiefs.

“He’s more hands-on with the students, wants to get to know us, he’s at the events showing [his] face and if you have a problem you can come and talk to him.”

Calloway wants to enhance what the police department already has and trusts that he was destined to be at FAMU. He believes that people should be taken out of their ordinary role so they can be made into extraordinary people.

“What I bring to the table is stability, accountability, discipline, structure and communication,” Calloway said. “I bring a different kind of leadership style here. I don’t have just one leadership style. I believe in coming together as a family and doing things collectively as a team. It’s not just about me.”