Contact: Thonnia Lee, Office of Strategic Communications
Tuskegee University is proud to announce that Derrick Jordan has been named Chief Human Resources Officer and Darrius Jones has been named Chief of Police.
Both leaders are U.S. Veterans and have served the university in deputy capacities, proving their ability to lead through challenge while elevating the university experience for students, faculty and staff.
“Tuskegee University is in the midst of a Renaissance defined by purpose, performance, and people,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO. “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.”
Prior to his arrival last fall, Jordan served as Chief Human Resources Officer for Georgia’s fourth largest City, Macon, Georgia. He provided executive oversight for more than 1,808 employees and 1,600 retirees. Under his leadership, the department received its first-ever 2023 Georgia Local Government Personnel Association Large County Agency Achievement Award. He architected and implemented the county's inaugural Health and Wellness Program, the automation of all personnel records, and equitable wage adjustments for long-overlooked positions.
Jordan’s experience includes two decades of dedicated service in the United States Navy. His distinguished military career, which includes multiple combat deployments and a nomination as an Emergency Actions Controller at U.S. Central Command, honed his skills in high-stakes environments. As a Leading Chief, he commanded the trust and confidence of the command by leading a team of 80 HR managers, mirroring the responsibilities of his civilian executive roles. Jordan received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Human Resources from Columbia Southern University.
He is the author of "Business Character Matters: Ten Habits of Highly Successful Managers," and his academic credentials include an MBA in Human Resources Management. His profound commitment to leadership and service is further evidenced by his life membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and affiliations with prestigious honor societies.
“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. “I will draw upon proven executive leadership to build a model of service that is responsive, transparent, and transformative. Together, my Team and I will ensure that every individual across this campus feels valued, equipped, and inspired to contribute to this great institution’s enduring legacy. I am honored to serve.”
Chief Darrius Durell Jones has more than 15 years of experience in policing, investigations, emergency management, and command-level operations. He served as Interim Chief of Police for the Tuskegee University Police Department for the last six months.
Prior to his appointment at Tuskegee, Jones held several key leadership positions in law enforcement, including Police Lieutenant with the Montgomery Airport Police Department, Interim Assistant Chief of Police for the Tuskegee Police Department, Task Force Officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and service with the Montgomery Police Department as both a Detective and Patrol Officer.
In addition to his civilian service, Jones proudly serves in the United States Army Reserve and has accumulated 19 years of honorable military service. He currently holds the rank of Staff Sergeant and has served in a variety of leadership and operational assignments throughout his career. His military service includes two overseas combat deployments in support of the Operation Iraqi Freedom from July 2007 to June 2008 and the Operation New Dawn from January 2009 to December 2010.
Jones earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master’s of Science in Public Safety from Liberty University. He maintains a Federal Secret Security Clearance and a certified law enforcement instructor, and FEMA 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.”
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