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Gary Hill
Gary Hill
00:56

Gary Hill

Lincoln University

Jefferson, MO USA

"When someone tells me I can't do something, or it can't be done, say less—I'm going to figure out a way to make it happen."

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Gary's work combines: Government, Education, and Helping People

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Day In The Life

VP of Campus Culture & Chief of Police

I oversee campus safety, direct a police academy, and foster a culture of collaboration at the university.

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Day In The Life Of A University Police Chief

My Day to Day

As the Chief of Police and Vice President of Campus Culture at Lincoln University, I juggle roles that shape campus safety and collaboration. My day spans overseeing police operations, managing residence halls, and directing the nation's only HBCU-based police academy. From ensuring a welcoming culture for visitors to pioneering hands-on law enforcement training, my work centers on rehumanizing policing and empowering students to step into impactful careers.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Criminal Justice and Corrections

    Lincoln University of Missouri

  • Graduate Degree

    Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration

    Columbia College

  • Doctorate

    Criminal Justice

    National University

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Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    I thought I’d go to college to play football but poor academic performance left me unable to attend my dream college, redirecting me to Lincoln University.

  • 2.

    I struggled academically and personally, and failed out of college.

  • 3.

    After getting back on track, I returned to Lincoln, balancing jobs and parenting to earn my degree in criminal justice.

  • 4.

    I began my career in law enforcement, where I served for 20 years, culminating in a role as patrol commander before transitioning to academia.

  • 5.

    Lincoln University’s criminal justice program inspired me to focus on using discretion in law enforcement to change lives.

  • 6.

    Now, as chief of police and vice president of campus culture at Lincoln, I champion reforms, including community-oriented policing and mental health training.

Defining Moments

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I struggled academically in both high school and college. I even failed out of college the first time. But I got back on track, went back to school, and made it through—all the way to earning my doctoral degree!

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