Gage Johnson
Editor-in-Chief
[email protected]
After nearly a year of service, Jeff Gentry has had the interim tag removed and has taken over as the Murray State chief of police.
“I am happy to announce that Mr. Jeff Gentry has been appointed to the chief of police/director of Public Safety and Emergency Management effective January 1, 2021,” according to an email sent by Vice President of finance and administrative services Jackie Dudley. “Jeff has served as the interim chief of police since June 2020. This is a vitally important position as we continually work to maintain a safe and secure campus for the benefit of our students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and the larger community.”
Gentry has served the University for 20 years, while serving in the community for a total of 29 years.
Gentry said community-oriented policing is one of his main priorities. He wants to continue in his position as a collaborative leader with students, faculty and staff.
“I want each student to know how we care and support each individual,” Gentry said.
Gentry’s journey with the Murray State Police Department began as an officer before being promoted to deputy chief and then to interim chief of police before taking on this new role.
“Jeff strives to be a collaborative, empowering leader and plans to build upon the police department’s community policing by continuing to actively engage with students, parents, faculty and staff at MSU,” according to the email sent to students and faculty.
Gentry has also served as the president of the Kentucky Association of University Law Enforcement Administrators for the past three years after being elected by his peers. In addition, he has served on several civic organizations including the Murray-Calloway County Park Board and the Calloway County Library Board.
He is a graduate of the department of criminal justice executive development program in Richmond, Kentucky.
“I never dreamed I would be the police chief,” Gentry said. “It is a very humbling experience, and I appreciate all the support from the administration.”
