Ronnell Higgins has been named the inaugural Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Community Engagement at Yale University.

Higgins, who previously held the Chief role at the Yale Police Department (YPD), will work with other campus leaders to ensure security and mental health on the Connecticut campus, according to a statement from the university President Peter Salovey.

"A key liaison to our New Haven neighbors, he will also identify points of intersection between campus safety, community safety, and community engagement," said Salovey.

Higgins began his law enforcement career in 1994 as a Corrections Officer for the Connecticut Department of Corrections. He then transitioned to YPD, rising through the ranks from Police Officer to Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety. He has experience as a security consultant, as well as an Executive Fellow for the National Police Foundation. He serves on the board for the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives for Connecticut.

Congratulations!