UA's Police Chief Graduates From FBI National Academy

University of Alabama Police Chief Scott Thurmond has graduated from intensive 10-week training at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The program includes rigorous graduate level academic classes accredited by the University of Virginia and challenging physical fitness standards.

The 25-year law enforcement veteran was one of 255 law enforcement officers to graduate. Graduates not only learn from the course but also each other. According to the academy, on average, graduates have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

Training includes advanced communication, leadership, and physical fitness. The academy selects participants based on their demonstrated professionalism and leadership within their agencies.

“As law enforcement continues to evolve, it’s critical that we remain focused on strong leadership, effective communication and community engagement,” Thurmond stated in a UA media release. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside peers from across the country and around the world, and I look forward to applying what I’ve gained to further enhance safety and service at UAPD.”

Thurmond is also a 2023 graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute and received the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award in 2024 for completing advanced leadership training at the supervisory, command and executive levels. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology from the University of Montevallo.

previously served as Birmingham Police Department deputy chief and most recently as interim chief before being selected UAPD Chief in January.

Other academy graduates serving in public safety at The University of Alabama include Deputy Police Chief Micah Rodgers, Captain Chad Stephens, Director of Emergency Management Donald Keith, Security Resources Operations Manager Mike Lee and Director of UA System Security Steven Anderson.

More than 56,000 law enforcement professionals have graduated from the internationally recognized academy since its launch 90 years ago.