Charles Messenger has assumed the role of Physical Security Director and will oversee the university’s electronic security which includes real-time video as well as campus access control.

Messenger, who holds his Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, comes to Knoxville from North Carolina, where he was the Global Security Manager for James Hardie Building Products.

His role at UT will be to coordinate the installation of new alarms and access control devices while working with other entities on campus, including academic units, Facilities Services, Office of Information Technology, and Institutional Compliance.

“This is a role that I am truly excited about, and looking forward to being hands on with the installation and configuring process of the Central Alarm System so that it all operates smoothly,” said UT Physical Security Director, Charles Messenger.

His position is housed within Public Safety, and he will report to Troy Lane, UT Associate Vice Chancellor of Public Safety.

“Charles comes with a well-informed background of central alarm systems, along with how they operate and should be installed,” said UT Associate Vice Chancellor of Public Safety, Troy Lane. “The knowledge he brings to the table will only help us be better prepared, and ahead of the curb with implementing access controls in new buildings across campus.”

Messenger will also provide guidance to campus planners on physical security designs for new construction projects, as well as major building renovations. As he works to build his team within Public Safety, supervising the alarm monitoring, policy development, compliance review, billing and system maintenance will also be areas of responsibility.

To read more about Central Alarm, you can head to this link: https://safety.utk.edu/police/about/divisions/central-alarm/