Chandlee, Dr. Jerry

Dr. Jerry Chandlee serves as Dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Assistant Professor, and Director of Criminal Justice at Carolina University. He brings more than three decades of law enforcement experience, including more than two decades as a Chief of Police, along with a background in higher education and teaching. As Dean, he is committed to advancing academic excellence, supporting faculty success, fostering collaboration, and strengthening programs that prepare students to lead and serve in their professions and communities.  

Prior to joining Carolina University, Dr. Chandlee served for 21 years as Chief of Police for a Florida school-based law enforcement agency, where he provided executive oversight of agency operations, strategic planning, policy development, personnel leadership, budget administration, emergency preparedness, and organizational effectiveness. His tenure focused on advancing school safety and security through comprehensive prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives while fostering collaborative partnerships among education, law enforcement, and community stakeholders. He addressed complex challenges related to school safety and security, emergency management, and the evolving needs of a school-based policing organization. 

He earned a Doctor of Criminal Justice with a specialization in Homeland Security. His doctoral research examined the evolving role of Florida’s School Resource Officers following the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy, contributing to a broader understanding of contemporary school policing, school safety, and the intersection of law enforcement and education.  

As an educator, Dr. Chandlee integrates academic scholarship with professional experience to connect criminal justice theory with real-world practice. His professional expertise includes school safety and security, policing, homeland security, emergency management, criminal justice leadership, and public safety best practices.