Tommy McMasters named chief of police at UNCSA

Tommy McMasters has been named chief of police at UNCSA, effective July 10, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Wendy Emerson has announced.

McMasters, who currently serves as police chief for Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), has more than 22 years in law enforcement. As chief of police at UNCSA, McMasters will oversee a Department of Police and Public Safety with 16 sworn officers and 14 non-sworn, including a 24/7 communications center.

“Tommy McMasters comes to us with significant experience within the UNC System and years of service in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County,” said Vice Chancellor Emerson. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and unwavering dedication to the ideals of higher education and community-oriented policing and embodies the highest standards of integrity. As we look ahead to this new chapter, I am certain that under his leadership our campus will continue to be a safe, secure and inclusive environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors.”

Before joining ECSU, McMasters served as deputy chief and police operations captain at North Carolina Central University in Durham, patrol commander at Fayetteville State University, chief of police for the city of Hamlet and public safety supervisor at Bennett College in Greensboro. McMasters also was a patrol officer for the Winston-Salem Police Department for five years and a patrol supervisor for the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office for six years. He served as a director of law enforcement training programs for three years and in the U.S. Marines for six years.

A native of Asheboro, McMasters received a Master of Science in criminal justice administration from Grand Canyon University, a bachelor’s degree in business/legal studies from Strayer University, and numerous certifications from the N.C. Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission.

“Chief McMasters is a respected, thoughtful and successful law enforcement leader who will bring extensive training and experience to UNCSA,” Vice Chancellor Emerson continued. “I am confident his passion for campus and external community engagement and outreach, and building and maintaining partnerships, will strengthen connections with our student body, faculty, staff, neighbors, friends and patrons.”

Chief McMasters was selected through a national search that was narrowed down to 14 candidates, with the final two visiting campus.

UNCSA Deputy Chief Gary Davis has served as the interim police chief since former Chief Frank Brinkley left in March to become chief at UNC-Wilmington.

Contact Media Relations

Get the best news, performance and alumni stories from UNCSA.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)