MACON, Ga. — Mercer University has appointed Haley Beckham as its first female chief of police, effective June 1. She succeeds Chief Gary Mills, who is retiring after serving in the position since January 2024.
Beckham most recently served as manager of the school safety section at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, where she led the development and delivery of specialized training for law enforcement professionals across the state. She has more than 15 years of law enforcement experience and brings a deep commitment to public safety, student well-being and collaborative policing within academic communities.
Prior to her current role with the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, 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.”
“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,” said Beckham. “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,”
A native of Wilkinson County and a graduate of Georgia College and State University, Beckham said she appreciates historical roots and traditions.
“I love that I can be a part of that at Mercer, and I look forward to working with the dedicated professionals at the Mercer Police Department,” she said. “I really am eager to begin this new chapter and serve the Mercer family with pride and dedication.”
Mills, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, joined Mercer Police in 2016 after a 30-year career with the Georgia State Patrol. He was promoted to administrative lieutenant at Mercer Police in 2018 and served as interim chief beginning January 2024, when he succeeded longtime Chief Gary Collins, who retired after 40 years of service to the University. 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,” said Mills. “I especially want to thank Chief Collins and President Underwood for their confidence in me and the opportunity this has meant for me and my family. I’ll always be grateful for this opportunity.”
“Haley Beckham comes highly recommended from those who have worked with her 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,” said Mercer President William D. Underwood.
“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.”
