Recent Searches

Loading Search Results...
Loading Directory Results...
Close

History

Close

Recent Pages

Recent Searches

EIU Media Relations

Martin Named Interim Police Chief at EIU

Jun-10-2016

Kent Martin

A 19-year veteran of Eastern Illinois University’s Police Department has been appointed interim chief of police.

Lt. Kent Martin will serve as head of the department until the position is permanently filled.  He replaces John Hatfill, who retired on May 31, 2016.  Hatfill replaced Adam Due, who retired on Dec. 31, 2015, after 12-plus years in the position.

“Lt. Martin has wonderful plans for the University Police Department and is excited to have the opportunity to lead this department and additionally work with other areas on campus,” said Lynette Drake, interim associate vice president for student affairs.  “He is a talented and skilled professional who will continue the great work of Eastern’s police force.

“I’m pleased with his interest and grateful for his service to the university,” she added.   “I’m pleased that he accepted this appointment.” 

“I embrace the opportunity to lead the police department, and I am looking forward to building and strengthening relationships across campus and in the city of Charleston,” said Martin, who joined UPD in 1997.

Since his arrival on campus, he has served as a patrol officer, detective, field training officer, evidence custodian, SWAT team member and juvenile police officer.  He was promoted to lieutenant in February 2016.

Prior to coming to work for EIU, Martin was a member of the Kansas, Ill., police department, first as a patrol officer (1993), then as chief of police.  He is a 1992 graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.  In 2013, he earned his master’s degree in technology from EIU.

He is an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoys reading, fishing, and traveling.  He lives in rural Charleston, along with his wife, Nancy, and two stepsons, Trenton and Chase.   He is the son of Bob and Anita Martin of Paris, Ill., where he was born.

 

 

Related Pages

Contact Information

Media Relations
Josh Reinhart,
Public Information Coordinator

Booth House
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Ave.
Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-7400
jdreinhart@eiu.edu


Take the next step

apply now
schedule a visit