High Country Times

Watauga County native Johnny Brown has been appointed as the director of public safety and chief of police at Appalachian State University. Brown, who has been serving in an interim capacity since September 2024, officially took on the role on January 20, 2025.

Brown's career with the Appalachian State University Police Department (APD) began in 2002. Before his recent appointment, he held the position of patrol commander and captain of operations from 2013 to 2024.

“With over 20 years of dedicated App State law enforcement experience, Police Chief Johnny Brown brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to fostering safety, trust and community collaboration,” said Hank Foreman, App State vice chancellor of external affairs and strategic initiatives and chief of staff. “His leadership will elevate the quality of policing for our Boone and Hickory campus communities and our surrounding neighborhoods, ensuring a secure and supportive environment for all.”

The APD is focused on enhancing safety across residential, educational, and professional spaces through proactive security measures. Brown aims to improve training facilities within the department while increasing opportunities for officers to engage with peers and community partners.

“Law enforcement is just one part of what we do as police officers,” said Brown. “Police officers can help solve problems creatively, based on the needs of individuals in any given moment. There’s really very little that cannot be managed by actively listening and observing what people need.”

Throughout his tenure at APD, Brown has received several promotions. He serves as a Basic Law Enforcement Training instructor for both the Appalachian Police Academy and Wilkes Community College. In addition to this role, he provides specialized training to regional law enforcement agencies.

In recognition of his service during a critical incident in 2021, Brown was awarded both a UNC System Award for Valor and an APD Medal of Valor in 2022. He was also named APD’s Officer of the Year in 2021.

“I enjoy seeing other officers succeed, develop professionally and achieve more together,” Brown stated. “The work we do in our department — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — is what truly matters. It’s about what we do as a team, and how we engage with this community.”