Eva Howard Sworn In as Meredith College Police Chief
The veteran law enforcement officer has become the first woman to lead the Raleigh college police force.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Eva Howard was sworn in as the new police chief at Meredith College in Raleigh. She is the first woman to ever hold the position at the institution.
Why it matters
Her appointment marks a milestone for the college as it installs a leader with over two decades of experience to oversee campus safety operations.
Chief Eva Howard brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience to the role. Her official swearing-in ceremony finalized the transition of command for the campus police department.
The players
Eva Howard
She is the newly appointed police chief at Meredith College and the first woman to serve in the role.
Meredith College
This is a private liberal arts college located in Raleigh, North Carolina, that maintains its own dedicated campus police force.
The details
Howard takes over leadership after a career that includes time with the Durham Public Schools Safety and Security Division and NC State University. She officially accepted the role during a formal swearing-in ceremony held at the college.
Timeline
Chief Eva Howard was sworn into office on September 28, 2026.
Legal Context
This appointment follows the rise of female leadership in campus law enforcement documented by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. Howard's role reflects a growing trend of increased female representation in command positions within university security departments.
Students and faculty at the Raleigh campus can expect continuity in safety protocols while the new administration settles into the department. The leadership change highlights the college's ongoing commitment to professionalizing its campus security force.
The takeaway
The appointment of a first-time female chief signals a shift in campus leadership dynamics at the institution. Prospective students and campus residents should monitor future departmental policies regarding campus patrol visibility and safety resources.
Further reading
For more on local safety initiatives, visit our Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC11 Raleigh-Durham.
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