The head of Mississippi University for Women’s police force is no longer employed with the department, university officials confirmed Friday.
Former Chief Kennedy Meaders has been replaced by Capt. Mary Slater, who will serve as acting chief, until a replacement for Meaders can be hired.
MUW Public Relations Director Anika Perkins declined to say whether Meaders resigned or was fired.
“I can confirm that Kennedy Meaders is no longer an employee at MUW,” Perkins said Friday. “Beyond this information, I have no further details to provide, as this is a personnel matter.”
On March 22, University Counsel and Assistant to the President Perry Sansing issued a statement saying Slater, who has more than 10 years’ experience as an MUW police officer, became acting chief March 21.
“The department will continue its efforts to make MUW a safe and secure place to learn and to work,” Sansing wrote.
Meaders, an Amory native, had been MUW’s chief of police since July 2, 2009. He previously served as head of security for the Columbus Municipal School District.
He replaced MUW Police Chief John Harris, who was also serving as a Meridian city councilman and was running for re-election. State law required councilmen to live in the district they serve, but Columbus residency was a requirement of the MUW chief’s position as well, reported the Associated Press. MUW officials declined to comment, but AP reports indicate Sansing did not feel Harris could effectively serve in both capacities.
Meaders holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Mississippi and a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of North Alabama in Florence, Ala. He is a veteran of the United States Army.
Meaders could not be reached for comment.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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