YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Former Young Harris College Chief of Police Kenneth “Ode” Henderson has been elected Towns County Sheriff after 38 years at Young Harris College. The College honored Henderson with a farewell ceremony to thank him for his years of service.
“Leaving Young Harris College is bittersweet,” says Henderson. “I’ve forged lifelong relationships and have a deep love for the institution. I intend to continue working closely with the Young Harris College Police Department and collaborating with students, faculty and staff on campus.”
Ken Henderson began working at the College as a director of residence life and a security officer in 1979. He then became a certified officer and Chief of Police while helping to establish the Young Harris College Police Department in April of 1984.
“Over 38 years, Ken “Ode” Henderson has been part of our students’ educational experience,” shares Dr. Drew L. Van Horn, president of YHC. “He always stepped up to take on what his presidents and supervisors requested. Our alumni view Ken as a fixture in their YHC experience, and each president that he has served under, count their blessings that he was here.”
Charlton “Robbie” Rich will take over as Young Harris College’s new Chief of Police. Rich started at YHC as a part-time officer in 2003, then became full-time in 2007 as Assistant Chief of Police.
“I am excited and honored to serve the YHC community as the new Chief of Police,” says Rich. “I will strive to be my very best and hope to make everyone proud of our police department. I have had a great mentor in Ken Henderson and look forward to leading the YHC Police Department into the future.”
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science and Technology; and Professional Studies. More than 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Peach Belt Conference. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
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