From EKU to the FBI: Police Studies Grad Shares Career Journey

Chris Hacker, ’93 ’95, shared his professional journey with students and others at the Alumni Spotlight speaker event on April 8, as part of Scholars Showcase at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). After graduating from EKU with associate and bachelor’s degrees in police studies, Hacker started his career as a police officer, then transitioned to the FBI where he held multiple leadership positions and earned the prestigious 2021 Meritorious Rank Award from the President of the United States. He’s now the director of corporate security programs, executive protection and investigations at Delta Air Lines. 

“Each year, the Scholars Showcase highlights and honors the outstanding accomplishments of students, faculty, staff and graduates throughout our EKU community,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “It’s inspiring to hear the incredible stories of alumni like Chris and how EKU helped launch his successful career in law enforcement and security. Chris’ experience truly brings transformational perspectives to our students and to our campus community.”

 

Hacker grew up in Richmond, which he said made his decision to attend EKU easy. Like many students, he started at EKU with no idea of what he wanted to do for a career, but he soon found his fit while taking exploratory classes, from geography to psychology to military studies. 

 

“The first class I took in police administration, I fell in love with it,” Hacker said. “I felt that was really a place for me.” 

 

Hacker served as a police officer with the Lexington Police Department and then applied to the FBI. It took two years from the time he submitted his application to the time he was hired, but once accepted, he and his family moved to Quantico, Virginia, so he could attend the FBI Academy. Upon arrival, he underwent extensive testing, interviews with senior agents and writing assessments. Once officially hired, he completed intensive training that covered topics such as terrorism, aviation and various areas he might be responsible for during his service. After training, he was assigned to Mississippi, where he served for nearly a decade. Working at the FBI for 22 years, his positions included deputy assistant director and special agent in charge of the Atlanta Field Office.

 

In Hacker’s current position with Delta Air Lines, he and his team are responsible for 108,000 employees and 100,000 contractors and use cutting-edge technology to measure, monitor and mitigate security threats. 

 

Hacker said EKU is where he gained hands-on experience for his career and connected with professors, learning from their professional experiences in class. 

 

“EKU gives an opportunity for students to make mistakes, which I think is a great thing here. It's a place for everyone, and where they will be able to be successful,” Hacker said. For the students in attendance, he advised, “You have to have the courage to talk to people that are more experienced than you—you have to seek out their guidance and wisdom.” 

 

The Alumni Spotlight and other events hosted at EKU attract high-achieving professionals and graduates to speak—sharing their career experiences and advice for the future generation of the workforce.