HCU President Robert Sloan presented HCU Police Chief John Karshner with proclamations from the city and county in honor of his 35-plus years of dedicated service in law enforcement during a special presentation on May 10.
Karshner was issued a proclamation from Harris County honoring his diverse career in law enforcement at the city, state and federal levels. He also was presented with a proclamation from City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner naming May 10, 2023, “Chief John Karshner Day.”
During the presentation, Dr. Sloan commended Karshner for his leadership of a dedicated team of police officers who exhibit strength, compassion and a caring attitude toward students, faculty and staff.
“We all love the way that we feel protected. I mean the number one hallmark of any organization or society or community is that people have to feel safe,” said Dr. Sloan.
An alumnus of HCU where he earned a Master of Liberal Arts degree, Karshner was also given an artistic rendering of his image drawn by former HCU student, Kris Field, to commemorate the special day of recognition.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Karshner was sworn in by the Houston Police Department the same night his father retired from law enforcement. Karshner served a decades-long career at HPD where he was last assigned to the Criminal Intelligence Division, specializing in organized crime, gangs and financial crimes. He also gathered intelligence and monitored events and activities that posed a threat to the community, including terrorism.
A licensed Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) instructor, Karshner also was as an adjunct instructor at the Houston Police Academy for 17 years and an adjunct instructor of American History at Lone Star College’s Kingwood campus for 12 years. He joined HCU in 2015 as the Director of Emergency and Risk Management and has been the University’s police chief since 2016.
He currently serves as HCU’s fourth police chief, overseeing a 9-member staff of officers, three full-time dispatchers and two student dispatchers who are dedicated to ensuring campus safety for administrators, faculty, staff, students and visitors.
“I never expected all the things that would fall in place because I came to HBU, the great people I’ve met here from the time I came here as a student until this time,” said Karshner.
