Maj. Laura McCullough has been appointed as the Interim Chief of Police of the Georgia Southern University Office of Public Safety effective May 31, 2015.

The announcement was made after Michael Russell, current Chief of Police at Georgia Southern, announced his retirement. Russell has been a member of the Office of Public Safety since 1988 and under his leadership the University has decreased overall crime rates, and added 16 critical staff positions including 12 certified officers.

“It has been a privilege serving Georgia Southern University and this community,” Russell said. “I have had the pleasure of working alongside many wonderful people including the other public safety officers over the years.”

On the other hand, McCullough has been part of the Office of Public Safety since 2005 and has served as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, criminal investigations captain and assistant director. She is a 2013 graduate of the FBI National Academy, and holds a B.S. in education from Samford University, a M.S. in education from Georgia State University, and a M.S. in event management from the University of Tennessee.

President Brooks A. Keel praised Chief Russell for his service for the University and believes that McCullough will follow his leadership.

“It is a sad day for Georgia Southern to have Chief Russell leave his post as our Chief of Police,” President Keel said. “We honor him for his many years with the University. He will always be part of the Georgia Southern family. I have every confidence that Maj. McCullough and the entire Office of Public Safety will continue to provide outstanding service to this community.”