President Dr. Mark A. Brown says appointments reinforce the university's "Renaissance" by strengthening human capital, campus safety, and institutional excellence through proven military and executive leadership.
TUSKEGEE, Ala. | Tuskegee University has announced two major executive leadership appointments aimed at advancing its institutional transformation, naming Derrick Jordan as Chief Human Resources Officer and Darrius Durell Jones as Chief of Police.
The appointments represent another step in President and CEO Dr. Mark A. Brown's strategic vision to strengthen the university through experienced leadership focused on operational excellence, employee development, and campus safety. Both Jordan and Jones are U.S. military veterans who previously served the university in deputy leadership roles before assuming their new executive positions.
"Tuskegee University is in the midst of a Renaissance defined by purpose, performance, and people," Brown said. "We are committed to ensuring our students are both challenged and supported, that our faculty and staff are fully equipped to advance our mission, and that our campus remains a safe and empowering environment for all. Derrick Jordan and Darrius Jones are the kind of leaders who embody this vision. I have been deeply impressed by their leadership, and I am proud to have them on my team."
Veteran Executive Takes Helm of Human Resources
Jordan brings decades of executive leadership experience in both public administration and military service to his new role.
Before joining Tuskegee University last fall, he served as Chief Human Resources Officer for Macon-Bibb County, Georgia, where he oversaw human resources operations for more than 1,800 employees and approximately 1,600 retirees. During his tenure, the department earned the 2023 Georgia Local Government Personnel Association Large County Agency Achievement Award, the first such recognition in its history.
Jordan also spearheaded several workforce modernization initiatives, including the county's inaugural employee health and wellness program, digitization of personnel records, and implementation of equitable compensation adjustments for previously underserved employee classifications.
His leadership credentials extend beyond local government. A retired U.S. Navy veteran with more than 20 years of service, Jordan completed multiple combat deployments and served in high-level assignments, including a nomination as an Emergency Actions Controller at U.S. Central Command. As a Leading Chief, he directed a team of approximately 80 human resources professionals while managing complex personnel operations.
Jordan earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in Human Resources from Columbia Southern University and holds an MBA in Human Resources Management. He is also the author of *Business Character Matters: Ten Habits of Highly Successful Managers* and maintains a lifelong membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
"I accept the role of Chief Human Resources Officer at Tuskegee University with deep humility and a clear understanding of the weight it carries—not merely as an administrative function, but as the stewardship of the very people who bring this institution's mission to life," Jordan said.
Law Enforcement Veteran Named Chief of Police
Tuskegee University also elevated Chief Darrius Durell Jones to lead the university's police department after serving as Interim Chief for the past six months.
Jones brings more than 15 years of experience spanning law enforcement, criminal investigations, emergency management, and executive command operations.
His extensive law enforcement career includes service as a Police Lieutenant with the Montgomery Airport Police Department, Interim Assistant Chief of Police for the Tuskegee Police Department, a Task Force Officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and assignments as both a detective and a patrol officer with the Montgomery Police Department.
In addition to his civilian accomplishments, Jones has served honorably for 19 years in the United States Army Reserve and currently holds the rank of Staff Sergeant. His military service includes two overseas combat deployments supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2007 to 2008 and Operation New Dawn from 2009 to 2010.
Jones earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Public Safety from Liberty University. His professional credentials include a Federal Secret Security Clearance, certification as a law enforcement instructor, and FEMA certification as a Basic Public Information Officer.
"It is an honor to be entrusted by the University President, Dr. Mark Brown, with this opportunity," Jones said. "I am grateful to God, my loved ones, friends, and the Tuskegee University community for their unwavering support and encouragement. My mission is not only to protect and serve, but also to help shape the next generation of global leaders. As a senior leader, I will hold myself to the principle that character is power."
Strengthening Tuskegee's Future
The appointments underscore Tuskegee University's continued investment in experienced executive leadership as the institution advances strategic initiatives focused on academic excellence, workforce development, student success, and campus security.
By selecting two proven leaders with distinguished military backgrounds and demonstrated records of public service, university officials are signaling a commitment to strengthening institutional operations while fostering an environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive.
As Tuskegee University continues its institutional renaissance, the appointments of Derrick Jordan and Darrius Jones reflect a broader emphasis on leadership grounded in integrity, accountability, operational excellence, and service—qualities that have long defined the university's legacy and its vision for the future.
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