John Fields

John Fields, Jr., is a retired police chief with 32 years of law enforcement experience. He most recently served as Executive Director and Chief of Police at Stephen F. Austin State University, a member institution of The University of Texas System, where he oversaw public safety and parking for a community of 12,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. Under his leadership, the department secured IACLEA accreditation, earned Texas Best Practice Recognition, and achieved Storm Ready certification. 

He previously served as Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police at Albany State University, where he consolidated two departments into one and produced the institution’s first Annual Fire and Safety Report. 

His career began in 1993 with the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office, where he rose to operations captain after serving as a watch commander, narcotics agent, and K-9 handler. He is a U.S. Army veteran of Operation Desert Storm. 

He holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, a Master of Public Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, all from Albany State University.