Algray L. Pettus has assumed duty as director of the department of public safety at Prairie View A & M University.Pettus said he came to Prairie View on a career growth option. “You can be in a profession for so long that there comes a time when it’s healthy to practice your profession in another area,” he explained. “Prairie View is situated in a unique part of the country and it’s an area that I am fond of. I hold this area a great place to experience life in general,” he added.
Pettus is the former police chief of Langston University in Langston, Okla. He is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas.
The new director said he has a “people minded” management style and aspirations of the department of public safety as a whole developing a close relationship with students, faculty and staff, and the surrounding communities.
Pettus said, “I want to create a climate of community where students, faculty and staff can feel that they can approach any member of the department of public safety and not only express concerns but receive substantial feedback. I want them to have tangible results so that they feel safe and as if they are a part of safety on their campus.”
Pettus endorses an open-door policy. He said, “If a student has a concern they can drop by the office and let’s talk about it, no matter what it is. If there are issues with call-boxes that are not functioning properly, these are issues I want to know about.”
Employee enhancement is also a goal the director wants to achieve. He believes that Prairie View deserves the best and the department of public safety has a great role in preserving the legacy of greatness that the university has stood for throughout time. “We have great potential in this department and through training and employment enhancement opportunities, I hope to further enhance the staff do their jobs better and better serve the community,” Pettus said.
The main goal of Pettus is a working-relationship with every one in the area. “Prairie View is a large entity of this area and I think leadership in all areas starts here. I think we could be a blessing and an asset to these areas and many opportunities as they arise,” he added. “I want the entire department to have a better relationship with the local communities of Prairie View, Hempstead, Brookshire, to become better affiliated.”
The new police chief is appreciative of his new responsibilities and has felt welcomed as a part of the Prairie View community. “I have experienced a genuine and heartfelt welcome from students, faculty and staff, and the general Waller/Prairie View community. It has been a blessing to be appointed the new director of public safety,” he said.