Florida A&M University has announced the appointment of Lieutenant Audrey Alexander as Chief of Police, effective September 13, 2024. The decision was made public by Rebecca Brown, the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial at FAMU. Brown expressed strong confidence in Alexander’s capabilities and vision for campus safety.
“Lieutenant Alexander has the necessary qualifications and has demonstrated her commitment to serve FAMU in this important role. With her proven track record of leadership, we have complete confidence in her ability and her vision for ensuring the safety of our campus,” Brown said. “I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Interim Chief John Cotton for answering the call to serve. Over the past year, he, along with his dedicated team, has played a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and security of our campus. Their diligent efforts have been instrumental in ensuring a secure environment for everyone at the University.”
Serving On and Off Campus
A proud FAMU alumna, Lt. Alexander has over 29 years of experience in law enforcement within the university’s Department of Campus Safety and Security. Her extensive career has allowed her to assume various roles, preparing her with the skills necessary for her new position.
Before her promotion to Chief of Police, Alexander served as assistant director and administrative lieutenant. Those roles included overseeing a team of 25 officers and played a key role in developing departmental budgets and implementing community policing initiatives. The certified 911 dispatcher also served as interim chief of police, administrative sergeant, investigator, and patrol officer.
In addition to her campus experience, Alexander brings a rich military background. She spent 24 years in the U.S. Army Reserve and the Florida National Guard. She retired as a Major and held several leadership positions, including executive officer, company commander, platoon leader, squad leader, and investigative officer. Her military service included a year-long deployment in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Alexander expressed her enthusiasm for her new role. “I am both excited and humbled to take on this new role and continue serving our campus community with dedication and commitment,” said Alexander. “Having served the FAMU community over the last quarter of a century, I am deeply invested in the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that our campus remains a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone.”
Alexander holds three degrees from FAMU: a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and two master’s degrees in Public Administration and Adult Education.