Trey Drawdy, Interim Dean, School of Professional Studies
After 13 years of dedicated service with the University, Trey Drawdy, Interim Dean, School of Professional Studies, is saying goodbye to Reinhardt as he retires July 15. “Leaving is bittersweet,” says Drawdy. “My wife and I want to move back home to southeast Georgia to be near our families.”
Drawdy came to Reinhardt in 2009 as the director of the Public Safety Institute. He brought experience in both higher education and law enforcement having been a criminal justice instructor for a number of years as well as a police officer, an investigator, a juvenile probation officer, and a law enforcement trainer.
At the time, the Public Safety Institute was only six months old. “We started with one program, our police academy, which provides basic training for individuals seeking positions in the field of law enforcement.”
Drawdy was tasked with building and developing the program. “I began looking at other areas for growth. We launched the online Bachelor of Criminal Justice program for individuals already employed in law enforcement who were seeking their next level of education. Then we developed the executive command and leadership program which is connected to Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) management and executive certification. More recently we’ve been retooling the organizational management and leadership (OML) program, which is tied to supervision certification.” Much growth has occurred through Drawdy’s engagement and leadership.
Drawdy describes his experience in the development of the program as “very rewarding.” His diligence earned him the title of Interim Dean of the School of Professional Studies. He continues to serve as the director of the Public Safety Institute as well as the coordinator of the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He is also a sworn member of Reinhardt’s Department of Public Safety.
“There’s so much about Reinhardt that I’m going to miss, like working with my colleagues,” he says. “I’ve developed strong professional relationships and friendships amongst faculty and staff. I’m also going to miss playing a part in the advisement of law enforcement students and trying to help them achieve their goals.”
Although Drawdy will no longer be on campus, he will remain available to the institute as an adjunct faculty member and assist with curriculum design as needed.
Drawdy has two children. His daughter is a 2021 graduate of Reinhardt University. His 13-year-old son, much to Drawdy’s surprise, is eager about the family’s move. “He loves to hunt and fish and is looking forward to spending time with his grandparents.”
The Reinhardt Community extends heartfelt gratitude for Trey’s innumerable contributions to Reinhardt’s growth and success, and best wishes on his new adventures. Thank you, Trey!
