Springfield, MO., Jan. 10, 2023 – Drury University is pleased to announce Chris Johns as the new Executive Director of Law Enforcement Academy and Campus Safety and Security. Since 2019, Johns has served as Drury’s Director of Campus Safety and Security where he coordinated and trained Drury Security Department personnel and oversaw vital and daily functions.
Prior to coming to Drury, Johns served at the Springfield Police Department for 25 years. During that time, he worked as a police academy staff instructor, patrol officer, field training officer and Special Victims Unit detective. Johns has also served as a Drury University adjunct faculty member for the Law Enforcement Academy since 2000. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology ’97 and a master’s in Public Service and Safety Leadership ’22 from Drury.
As Executive Director of Law Enforcement Academy and Campus Safety and Security, Johns will provide senior leadership to the campus safety and security team and oversee law enforcement academy functions, including planning, organizing, coordinating and directing day-to-day operations and managing compliance with Missouri’s Peace Officer Standards and Training.
“I began my career as a student in the Drury academy, so this is a wonderful next step to bring my career full circle and pay my experience forward for the next generation,” said Johns. “This new role will allow Drury to find ways to give our Law Enforcement Academy students practical training in areas that overlap in safety and security and law enforcement. At the same time, the collaboration will support and enhance the campus Safety and Security Department to provide a safer campus for all Drury students.”
According to Senior Associate Vice President for Drury GO, James Ackerman, this new position was created to specifically suit Johns’ unique experience and skillset.
“Chris is exceptionally qualified for this innovative role and his passion and knowledge will pave the way for Drury to explore new opportunities that allow Safety and Security to work with Law Enforcement Academy students while providing a more robust education and additional hands-on experiences.”
Johns follows Tony Bowers as Law Enforcement Academy Director. Bowers will officially retire from Drury on Jan. 19th after 18 years in the role. During his time as Law Enforcement Academy director, Bowers taught and graduated more than 1,200 law enforcement officers.
“We are so appreciative of Tony, and his exemplary years of service at Drury University,” said Ackerman. “Our communities are protected and served by hundreds of law enforcement officers that he had a direct role in training and educating. We are very grateful for his dedication to our students and mission.”
Chris Johns officially began his new duties on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023.
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Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Director of University Communications and Media Relations – (417) 873-7390 or JCooper020@drury.edu.