Mercer University announces its first female police chief. What to know

Mercer University announced Wednesday the appointment of its first female chief of police.

Haley Beckham will begin serving as chief on June 1, succeeding Chief Gary Mills, who is retiring after serving in the position since January 2024.

Beckham brings more than 15 years of law enforcement experience to the role, according to a university news release. She most recently served as manager of the school safety section at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, where she oversaw specialized training for law enforcement professionals statewide.

“I’ve always been more in tune with building relationships, and when it comes to campus policing it’s about building those relationships with the students, the faculty, the staff and even the local partners,” Beckham said in the release. “I look forward to bringing that philosophy with me to Mercer and working collaboratively to ensure a welcoming environment for anyone who is a part of the vibrant University community.”

Prior to her current role, Beckham served as chief investigator for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, and she served for a decade as a deputy sheriff in Baldwin County.

She said she has “a passion for preventative, community-focused policing that prioritizes education, outreach and trust-building.”

Mercer President William Underwood said Beckham comes highly recommended by her colleagues at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center.

“She understands the unique needs and culture of academic institutions and the role community policing plays on campuses. We look forward to having her lead Mercer Police,” Underwood said in the statement.

Beckham will be replacing Mills, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, who joined Mercer Police in 2016 after a 30-year career with the Georgia State Patrol. Mills was promoted to administrative lieutenant at Mercer Police in 2018 and served as interim chief beginning January 2024.

Mills was appointed chief in April 2024 and oversaw Mercer Police on both the Macon and Atlanta campuses.

“I’ve been truly blessed to have served and represented the Mercer Police Department for the last eight and a half years, and I especially want to thank the folks here at Mercer Police for their support and all they do serving the Macon community and the Mercer University community,” he said.

Mills also thanked Underwood for his support and the opportunity to lead the department.

“Gary Mills has served Mercer University with great character and distinction over the last eight years, and we are grateful for his service to our community,” Underwood said. “We wish Chief Mills and his family the very best in his retirement.”