Skip to main content

SSU Names New Police Chief

Clarella “Meshia” Thomas is the new Chief of Police at Savanah State University.
Photo Credit: Jordan Ewing

Savannah State University has selected Clarella “Meshia” Thomas as the new campus Chief of Police effective immediately. Thomas brings to SSU a wealth of public safety knowledge and experience that spans 23 years. In appointing Thomas, SSU aims to strengthen its commitment to campus safety and public service to all members of the campus community, including more than 1,900 residential students.

Most recently, Thomas served as chief of police and director of public safety at Wellesley College (Mass.) from 2021-2023 and Virginia Union University (Va.) from 2019-2021.

Thomas’ public safety career began at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in 2001 where she rose through the ranks to become patrol services lieutenant. Additionally, she served at the University of Chicago as captain of patrol services from 2013-2016 and at Vanderbilt University as captain of professional standards and accreditation from 2016-2019.

“Chief Thomas has a distinguished law enforcement and public safety career that spans several prestigious institutions,” said Megan Davidson, SSU vice president of Business and Financial Affairs. “Her experience at Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee has equipped her with a broad perspective on campus safety and its unique challenges. She was instrumental in developing comprehensive safety strategies and fostering strong community relations.”

“I am honored and feel privileged to serve as chief of police at Savannah State University’s Department of Public Safety,” said Thomas. “My goal is to continue the work that has been done to enhance and maintain the safety and security of the campus community as well as bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.”

Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Bethel University (Tenn.) and a master’s degree in business administration from Virginia Union University. Her professional affiliations include the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Law Enforcement Executives and Administrators, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.

Prior to Thomas’ appointment, Frederick Denson served as SSU interim chief of police since February 2023.

“We thank Chief Denson for his service and dedication to the campus community during that time,” said Davidson.



 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SSU Foundation, Inc. Elects New Officers

    Chairwoman, Dr. Clementine Washington  The Savannah State University Foundation elected new officers during its 2025 winter board meeting held January 18 on the Savannah State University campus. The new officers will serve a 3-year term and were sworn into their new roles effective immediately. The new officers include Chairwoman, Dr. Clementine Washington; Vice Chairman, Mr. Michael Kaigler; Secretary, Mr. James Melvin; Treasurer, Mr. John Kelley; and Financial Secretary, Mrs. Carolyn Price. “It is with profound humility and gratitude that I thank you for your vote of confidence in electing me to serve as Chairman of the Savannah State University Foundation, Inc.,” said Washington. “During my term of office, we will work together as ‘One SSU’ to conduct the business of the Foundation, pursue my campaign goals, and consider other initiatives that may be presented, evaluated, and approved by the board membership.” The Savannah State University Foundation, Inc. is ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Dr. Jermaine Whirl Named SSU President

Dr. Jermaine Whirl   The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today named Dr. Jermaine Whirl president of Savannah State University (SSU), effective April 1, 2025. Whirl, an Aspen Fellow, most recently served as president of Augusta Technical College (ATC), a role he has held since November 2020. Whirl’s career includes nearly 20 years of service as a faculty member and administrative leader at public colleges and universities in his home state of South Carolina and in Georgia. He has previously worked at several institutions, including Greenville Technical College, Savannah Technical College, Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State University. “As we welcome Dr. Whirl back into the USG family, we deeply appreciate the steadfast and dedicated leadership of interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Cynthia has laid a strong foundation for Savannah State’s future, one that Dr. Whirl is well-equipped to build...
Post a Comment
Read more

SSU Mourns the Passing of Former Athletics Director

  Savannah State University is deeply saddened by the passing of former Director of Athletics, Mr. Sterling Steward. A proud native of New Orleans, Mr. Steward served as SSU’s Director of Athletics from 2011 to 2018. Throughout his tenure, his leadership, dedication, and commitment to the success of student-athletes made a profound and lasting impact on the entire SSU community. Savannah State University will forever be grateful for Mr. Steward’s numerous contributions to SSU Athletics and the University as a whole. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of students, athletes, and staff. Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the Steward family, his friends, loved ones, and all who are affected by this loss.
Post a Comment
Read more