SLU Names New Public Safety Chief Following National Search
Saint Louis University has named Chris Ballard assistant vice president and chief of the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Ballard will begin his role on July 6.
Ballard joins SLU from the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, where he serves as assistant chief of police. He previously spent more than a decade as director of public safety at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, and also served as adjunct faculty in Millikin’s criminal justice department.
He began his law enforcement career as a police officer in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, working closely with both the local community and the University of Illinois. Ballard also brings experience in emergency management and emergency response planning.
Matt Goodwin, Ph.D., interim vice president for student development, said Ballard demonstrated a community-focused approach to campus safety throughout the search process.
“Chief Ballard possesses a keen understanding of SLU’s long and rich history in the City of St. Louis, recognizes the importance of working as partners with the St. Louis Metro Police Department, and understands the significance of the University’s role serving the greater good,” Goodwin said.
Ballard earned his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a master’s degree from the University of the Cumberlands. He also holds a certificate in police staff and command from Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety and is a certified law enforcement instructor in Illinois.
Goodwin thanked the search committee, chaired by John Janulis, director of the Office of Student Responsibility and Community Standards, as well as members of the SLU community who participated in campus forums and shared feedback during the search process.
He also expressed appreciation for DeSheila Hatcher, director of field operations, and Joshua Johnson, director of special operations, who served as co-acting chiefs since February.
“Majors Hatcher and Johnson have worked collaboratively to manage DPS operations and ensure our campus safety and security throughout this transition,” Goodwin said.