SC State University names Halley chief of police

Veteran campus law enforcement leader brings more than 30 years of experience, award-winning leadership and a commitment to community policing.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University has named Clyburn Halley chief of police, bringing more than three decades of law enforcement experience and a career focused on campus safety, crime reduction and community policing.

"I am super excited to welcome Chief Clyburn Halley to the SC State family," President Alexander Conyers said. "He brings outstanding experience, a proven record of leadership and a genuine commitment to community policing.

"As we continue strengthening campus safety, I am confident Chief Halley will build strong relationships with our students, faculty, staff and law enforcement partners while fostering a culture of trust, accountability and service. He is the right leader to help move our Department of Public Safety forward," the president said.

Halley is a graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety's School of Police Staff and Command (288th Session), Georgia Command College Class 21, where he earned a Master of Public Administration, and St. Leo University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. In addition, he has completed more than 3,000 hours of law enforcement training. 

During his tenure as police chief at other universities, Halley focused on reducing violent crime while strengthening campus safety operations. He is affiliated with the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police.

Throughout his career, Halley has built collaborative partnerships with local law enforcement agencies serving communities near the universities he has led. Those relationships have helped ensure additional law enforcement support is available when needed to assist university police officers and campus safety officers.

In 2025, the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators recognized Halley with its Award for Administrative Excellence. He also received the Pittsburgh Courier Men of Excellence Award in 2021.

Halley said he is honored to serve as chief of police at SC State. He is committed to embracing change while leading with transparency and open communication. His vision emphasizes community policing, with officers serving the needs of students, faculty and staff while fostering an inclusive organization that reflects the university's culture and encourages collaboration across the campus community.