ORANGE PARK – St. Johns River State College selected Brian Keith as its Director of Campus Safety. Keith will oversee the Office of Safety and Security on the College’s campuses in Orange Park, Palatka and St. Augustine following the retirement of James Griffith.

Keith previously served as SJR State’s safety command officer for the Palatka Campus since 2019. He brings extensive experience to the department, including 21 years of service with the Palatka Police Department. He also served as a deputy with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, assisting part-time with cold-case homicides. Prior to working at SJR State, Keith also served as a College trustee from 2013 to 2019.

In addition to having two sons who graduated from SJR State, Keith is also an alumnus, graduating from SJR State’s Criminal Justice Academy. He also holds an Associate Degree in Business from Vincennes University.

Keith said the promotion is a culmination of a dream that was 45 years in the making.

“I started my career in law enforcement with this College in 1978, working in security while attending the police academy. I pursued a career in law enforcement and was mentored by Verdell Jefferson, then chief of security at SJR State,” Keith said. “Over the years, I have worked beside many great law enforcement officers – Dan Thies, David Stout and James Griffith – who became directors of security at SJR State. I am honored that President (Joe) Pickens had the faith in me to follow in their footsteps.”

Pickens said the College is fortunate to have Keith move into the role and looks forward to his leadership as the College’s three campuses prepare for the fall semester.

“Brian’s expertise is a valued addition to our ongoing commitment to providing quality safety and service to our students, faculty and staff,” Pickens said. “He is the perfect choice to guide us in building upon the direction of James Griffith.”