Criminal Justice graduate Babb appointed to new role

Roanoke graduate William “Mac” Babb ’90 was named the new police chief at Virginia Tech. Babb is a graduate of Roanoke’s Honors Program and was a criminal justice major. Babb was an officer with the Roanoke City Police Department for 25 years before making the move to Blacksburg. He’s been a deputy chief there for several years.

Babb replaces Kevin Foutz, who has a Roanoke College connection as well. Foutz taught in Roanoke’s criminal justice program for several years before getting back into law enforcement.

“I’m thrilled to be able to continue serving the Virginia Tech community as police chief and director of security. Roanoke College has a strong history of developing and engaging student leaders and my experiences as an undergraduate there have extended into all aspects of my law enforcement career,” said Babb.

“Mac was one of our early Honors Program students,” said, Dr. Bill Hill, retired professor of political science. “He had a helpful internship with the Roanoke City Police.  When he graduated, he went to work with Roanoke City, rising through the ranks to a ranking position and supervising the city police academy.  Virginia Tech has gotten a brilliant and widely experienced new chief.  Roanoke College should be proud.  I know I am,” Hill said.

Watch WDBJ7 coverage of Babb’s appointment.