WHO’s WHO @VCU

Willie B. Fuller, university police chief for VCU, started as a security guard in James Branch Cabell Library when he was a freshman at VCU in 1976. In 1979, after graduating with a criminal justice degree, Fuller was hired as a patrolman for the university police department. He is now responsible for over 70 university police officers that monitor the Medical Center Campus and the Monroe Park Campus.

“The one thing that I am most proud of is being able to see this university and the students in this university grow. I have been able to be a part of something that continues to receive national and international acclaim,” Fuller said.

“When I came to school at VCU, it was a much smaller campus and a much smaller student population,” he said.

Since 1976, Fuller has seen the student population at VCU swell to over 29,000. VCU has also become the third-largest research university in Virginia.

“I don’t think I would have been able to recognize VCU today if I didn’t work here,” he said.

Fuller carries himself proudly around campus and people notice, like Carlton Edwards, deputy chief for security operations at VCU.

“It has been a privilege to have worked with Chief Fuller for many years. In those years, I have found him to be professional, caring and dedicated to the university and its students,” Edwards said. “Under Chief Fuller’s leadership we have become increasingly pro-active with our deterrence of criminal activity on campus.”

Edwards said the department has been able to foster many relationships with faculty and student organizations thanks to Fuller’s initiatives.

In the way Fuller talks to people, one can see he truly cares about not only the people that work for him but also the students who attend the university.

Jennifer Brown, secretary in the university police department, said he is an excellent person and an excellent boss.

“I enjoy working for Chief Fuller because he always finds a way to make all of us in the department laugh, even under the most stressful situations,” she said. “The office always seems to be in high spirits. ”

Brown said Fuller is nurturing to the university as a whole.

“Chief Fuller is a kind, caring individual. He is always concerned for the employees in our department, as well as the students, faculty, and staff of the university,” she said.

Fuller has lived in Richmond all his life. He grew up in Short Pump and attended Henrico Public Schools.

In 1992, Fuller left VCU to become the special agent in charge of administration and training for the Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control. After Fuller’s stint with the Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control, he was selected to be the Chief of Police for Virginia State University. In 2000, Fuller was named chief of police at VCU.

Fuller continues to make sure University Police is the best it can be.

“The interviewing process was really intensive,” Fuller said. “It was two days of grueling interviews.”

Brown is optimistic for the department’s future.

“As time goes on, the department will grow and Chief Fuller will continue to provide excellent leadership,” she said. “If he were to leave tomorrow, it would be hard to find someone of his caliber to fill the position.”