When U.S. President Joe Biden needed a U.S. Marshal for South Carolina, he chose Lander University alumna Chrissie Cofield Latimore ’11.
A statement from the White House at the time of her nomination said U.S. Marshals are “chosen for their devotion to enforcing the law, their professionalism, their experience and credentials, their dedication to pursuing equal justice for all, and their commitment to the independence of the Department of Justice.”
Latimore was confirmed by the U.S. Senate for the post on Dec. 6, 2022. The former Laurens police chief, Latimore is a Clinton native who became the first African-American female and first female police chief in Laurens. She worked with the Laurens Police Department for more than 20 years and also with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). She is a veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve.
Dr. Lucas McMillan, dean of Lander’s College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, said the University is extremely proud of Latimore.
“The presidential nomination and Senate confirmation speak volumes about her professionalism and service as a leader in S.C. law enforcement. This important federal post is another step in an accomplished career that includes service as special agent for SLED and as chief of police for Laurens,” he said.
“It is clear that Lander University provides a quality education. U.S. Marshal Latimore has contributed to that as a part-time criminology instructor in the past few years. We are sad that our students will no longer benefit from her expertise, but she continues to be a strong role model for our students.”
In addition to her degree from Lander, Latimore earned an associate’s degree from Piedmont Technical College, and a master’s degree from Anderson University’s Command College.
The U.S. Marshals Service is the nation’s oldest and most versatile federal law enforcement agency. It was founded in 1789, when President George Washington signed commissions for 13 Marshals to serve the new nation.
This story is featured in the Spring 2023 edition of Lander Magazine. Read more at www.lander.edu/magazine.