Columbus State University’s Police Chief Mark Lott is retiring on August 31. Lott, who has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and nearly 15 years at CSU, has served as CSU’s police chief since May of 2017.

“It has been an honor to work with Chief Lott,” said CSU President Chris Markwood. “Chief Lott has served our students, faculty, staff, and visitors honorably, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.  A proud alum, talented educator, respected officer, as well as a gifted team builder and leader, Chief Lott leaves an incredible legacy of servant leadership and community building.”

As CSU’s police chief, Lott has overseen a department that now includes 24 sworn officers and 10 security personnel. He has ensured the safety of 8,400 students, 800 employees, and countless visitors at CSU’s main campus, RiverPark campus and off-campus outreach learning centers. 

Under Lott’s direction, the department expanded its drone program, rolled out the campus’s Live Safe app, obtained its first narcotics detection dog, and participated in multiple emergency trainings with the city of Columbus and CSU’s Department of Nursing.  Lott has also served as president of the Georgia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, as well as on the Clery Compliance Committee and the Columbus, Georgia Homeland Security Critical Infrastructure Protection Committee. 

Lott was sworn in as CSU’s police chief in May of 2017, after serving as CSU’s assistant police chief since 2006. Before coming to CSU, Lott was an investigator with the Troup County Sheriff’s Office and a deputy marshal with the Muscogee County Marshal’s Office. His previous campus policing experience included stints at the University of Louisville and the University of Maryland at Baltimore.

Lott holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and a master’s of public administration, both from CSU. He also has earned his FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Certificate and Command College Certification. Lott served as an instructor at the regional police academy, with the Columbus Office of Homeland Security, at the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College and as an adjunct faculty member for CSU’s Department of Criminal Justice. 

“Chief Lott has served our campus and local communities with the utmost degree of integrity and commitment,” said Gina Sheeks, CSU’s Vice President for Student Affairs. “During his tenure at CSU, he has upheld the highest standards of customer service, while promoting the principles of community policing. We are grateful for his leadership, and the dedication that he has shown to protecting and serving all segments of our community."

Laura Bennett, CSU’s assistant police chief, will serve as interim chief effective Sept. 1.