Georgia College & State University (GCSU) swore in Major Brian Freese Aug. 2 as deputy chief of police for Georgia College Department of Public Safety.
Freese earned his master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the College of Charleston. He has more than 27 years of public service experience in higher education administration, local government management, and law enforcement.
He began his career with Athens-Clarke County as a police officer and eventually served as captain of the Clarke County Sheriff's Office in the role of administrative services section commander. Freese also previously served as a part-time police officer for the City of Winterville, which led him to search for other law enforcement opportunities in the area. Prior to joining GCSU, Freese spent more than 18 years at the University of Georgia in a variety of roles related to academic and fiscal affairs.
“For me law enforcement is a very noble and important call,” said Freese. “I heard about the job opening at Georgia College through my personal network, was very impressed with the opportunity, and excited to be offered the position. They were seeking someone who had multiple skills involved in law enforcement, working with grants and higher education administration, and could augment their team’s existing skills.”
Freese is the first deputy chief at Georgia College and, in a short time, has fallen in love with the campus because it offers “a nostalgia for my college days (the College of Charleston)” and is “represented by committed, energized leadership.”
“I looked at Chief Hardin’s background and his commitment to higher education and public safety. I liked his approach to community- centered law enforcement and public safety approaches that focus on campus engagement and building partnerships with the community to build collaboration,” said Freese. “And the interview process was impressive. I was excited by the enthusiastic leadership and how evident it is that the staff and faculty are working together to build an environment that creates a premier educational experience for students.
Freese added, “That dedication to build an educational experience that will shape each student’s future was something I felt I could be a part of and provide a positive professional contribution.”
In his new role Freese is responsible for direct oversight of strategic planning efforts, operational logistics, and fiscal controls, as well as internal affairs and agency certification and accreditation. He will not only serve as a protector but an asset to provide needed resources and training to staff.
“My job is to support Chief Hardin and work to achieve his vision of what the police department will be. That includes offering students, faculty, and staff self-defense courses, looking at innovations in technology like the RAVE mobile application, and offering first aid and Stop the Bleed courses.”
According to Freese, Hardin is also beginning the process of state agency certification for Georgia College Public Safety. Through it, the department will be assessed by a state standards group facilitated by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police to be recognized as an accredited law enforcement agency.
“It really brings our policies and procedures to the national standards and beyond,” said Freese. “The goal is to have our agency recognized as an accredited agency and through that process create a greater sense of trust within the campus community. We in public safety will be recognized as a ready resource and reliable partner through this agency credential.”
Going into the new school year, Freese is already committed to being a “ready resource” for the wider community by bridging connections across campus and Milledgeville. His goals are to engage with students and connect with staff while also building partnerships with the Downtown Development Authority and local businesses.
“Connections are important for the success of everyone,” said Freese. “I have a strong belief in developing positive relationships and active partnerships to continuously assist in strengthening the cooperation of the greater community with the campus. My goal is to help Georgia College Public Safety enhance the educational environment for student success and offer support to our community ensuring the safest and most secure campus possible. I’m blessed to call Georgia College home.”
Bobcats started moving in Aug. 15 and the school year will start for them shortly. Freese is looking forward to his first year and a bright future at GCSU.