Albany, Georgia – On June 1, 2022, LaShawnda Ethridge came on board as the new Police Chief at Albany Technical College (ATC). Ms. Ethridge has been in the law enforcement field since 2004 and comes to ATC with knowledge, training, and the personal skill set to do a great job.
LaShawnda Ethridge was born in Charleston, SC, and began her law enforcement career at the Albany Police Department in 2004. In 2011, she decided to change from the municipality to the campus police setting and took a position with the Darton State College Police Department. Following the merger between Darton State College and Albany State University, Ethridge continued at Albany State University as a Patrol Sergeant, Emergency Management Coordinator, and Clery Coordinator reporting directly to the Chief of Police. She later became an Administrative Lieutenant in 2018. In 2019, Ethridge added the position of Investigations Commander, while continuing her administrative role, supervising the administrative and support functions of non-sworn personnel in Communications.
Ethridge stated, “Campus policing gives officers an opportunity to serve in a different capacity than what is most often expected. We’re afforded the opportunity to be real people and connect on a more personal level to truly positively impact lives. I take this responsibility seriously. It is imperative that I leave people feeling positively changed. There are times when you will feel unappreciated but in this line of work, but satisfaction comes in ways that others will never understand. It is important that we remember how special we truly are and continue to spread our light. I encourage everyone to “Eat Right, Sleep Right, Do Right, Treat everybody Right, and keep whoever is at the head of your life at the Head.”
Ethridge is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha International Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Albany State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of West Georgia.
Ethridge holds numerous awards and certifications that enhance her abilities to succeed in this position. She possesses leadership characteristics that make staff willing to follow her guidance while ensuring outstanding community policing standards. She incorporates the student first philosophy that aids the university with recruitment and retaining the student body. These attributes will ensure professional leadership and accountability.