PRESS RELEASE: AUGUST 1, 2023
SJR State Names Head of Security
Brian Keith - Director of Campus Safety
St. Johns River State College names Brian Keith as its Director of Campus Safety. Keith will oversee the Office of Safety and Security on the College’s campuses in Orange Park, Palatka and St. Augustine following the retirement of James Griffith.
Keith previously served as SJR State’s safety command officer for the Palatka Campus since 2019. He brings extensive experience to the department, including 21 years of service with the Palatka Police Department. He also served as a deputy with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, assisting part time with cold-case homicides. Prior to working at SJR State, Keith also served as a College trustee from 2013 to 2019.
In addition to having two sons who graduated from SJR State, Keith is also an alumnus, graduating from SJR State’s Criminal Justice Academy. He also holds an Associate Degree in Business from Vincennes University.
Keith said the promotion is a culmination of a dream that was 45 years in the making.
“I started my career in law enforcement with this College in 1978, working in security while attending the police academy. I pursued a career in law enforcement and was mentored by Verdell Jefferson, then chief of security at SJR State. Over the years, I have worked beside many great law enforcement officers - Dan Thies, David Stout and James Griffith – who became directors of security at SJR State,” Keith said. “I am honored that President Pickens had the faith in me to follow in their footsteps.”
SJR State President Joe Pickens said the College is fortunate to have Keith move into the role and looks forward to his input as the College's three campuses prepare for the fall semester.
“Brian’s expertise is a valued addition to our ongoing commitment to provide quality safety and service to our students, faculty and staff," Pickens said. "He is the perfect choice to guide us in building upon the direction of James Griffith."
MEDIA CONTACTS
Michelle Sjogren
Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Strategic Communications
(904) 276-6814
Susan Kessler
Director of Public Relations and Marketing
(386) 312-4021