Scott Robbins, a University of Tennessee at Martin graduate, has been named UT Martin director of public safety, effective Jan. 2.

Robbins, of Martin, was employed by the Martin Police Department for 16 years, most recently as captain, training/operations.

“The search produced a very competitive pool of candidates,” said Al Hooten, vice chancellor for finance and administration. “Scott’s administrative background with the Martin Police Department prepared him for this position. He is well qualified to lead the university’s department of public safety.”

“I am extremely excited and honored to have been named director of public safety at UT Martin,” said Robbins. “I have worked side by side with UT Martin public safety personnel for 16 years (as part of the Martin Police Department), and I know they are very professional.”

Robbins received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1992 from UT Martin. He graduated from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in 1991 and the FBI National Academy 206th Session in 1992. Also, he completed Tennessee Law Enforcement Executive Development and Computerized Voice Stress Analysis Operator training courses.

He began service with the Martin Police Department as a dispatcher and patrol officer in 1990. He served as community relations officer from 1992-96 and then lieutenant-patrol division from 1996-2002, when he assumed the captain’s post. As a captain, he was responsible for compliance and training for all divisions, personnel, grants administration, oversight of daily operations, and was the public relations officer and computerized voice stress analysis operator.

Robbins received the department’s Medal of Valor in 2000 and an Outstanding Service Award in 1996. He is a member of International Association of Chiefs of Police, Tennessee Chiefs of Police Association, FBI National Academy Alumni Association, Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Officer’s Association, Martin Police Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni group and is a Leadership Weakley County graduate.

Robbins’ father, Guy Robbins, longtime grounds manager, retired from UT Martin. “UT Martin has always been a part of my life,” he said. “I can’t wait to be part of the UT Martin family.”

The Pacer will provide ongoing updates.