The University of South Carolina Upstate has appointed Eric S. Boyce as the university’s next chief of police. Boyce, a law enforcement leader with more than two decades of experience in campus safety, will assume the role on Aug. 11, 2025.
Boyce most recently served as chief of police at UNC Greensboro, where he led major safety and community engagement initiatives. His accomplishments include restructuring the university’s Emergency Operations Plan in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Emergency Management, launching the department’s first computer-aided dispatch system, increasing staff to better serve the campus, and establishing a Residence Hall Officer program that strengthened ties between students and the police department.
He also implemented new crime prevention programs, including 360 Stay Safe on Campus, and introduced alcohol and substance abuse awareness initiatives designed to reduce risk and promote student well-being.
Prior to his time at the University of North Carolina, Boyce held campus law enforcement leadership roles at Wake Forest University and the North Carolina School of the Arts.
Born in North Carolina, Boyce holds a bachelor’s degree in political science/public administration from Winston-Salem State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Appalachian State University.
“I am honored to be selected to serve as the next chief of police at USC Upstate,” Boyce said. “I’m excited to join the police department and will focus on developing relationships across the campus community. My goal is to foster an environment where students, faculty, staff and visitors feel safe, respected and supported.”
USC Upstate Chancellor Bennie L. Harris, Ph.D., said Boyce’s combination of strategic leadership and student-focused innovation made him an ideal fit for the role.
“Chief Boyce brings a wealth of experience and strong leadership to his new role,” Harris said. “He has a demonstrated ability to strengthen public safety operations while maintaining a student-first mindset. His approach allows us to continue bringing a secure, inclusive learning environment, and I look forward to supporting his work at USC Upstate.”
Boyce will succeed Chief Klay Peterson, who is retiring this year after 18 years of transformative service. Peterson was recently honored with a retirement celebration.
Peterson arrived at USC Upstate in 2007 and led a complete revitalization of the university’s police department. Under his leadership, USC Upstate became one of only three campus police agencies in South Carolina to achieve national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, widely recognized as the gold standard in professional policing.
Other highlights from Peterson’s tenure include:
- Building a culture of trust, transparency and proactive safety on campus
- Launching community-focused engagement efforts rooted in compassion and respect
- Supporting high-profile events, including assisting with President Ronald Reagan’s interment while at California Lutheran University
- Creating a public safety academy for Native American youth while serving as chief of police on a federal Indian reservation
- Earning a reputation for storytelling, humor and unwavering dedication to student safety
“Chief Boyce brings a thoughtful, community-centered approach to campus safety that aligns with our mission and values at USC Upstate,” said Steven Hardy, vice chancellor for finance and administration. “He understands that effective policing in a university setting means building trust, being present and treating students with respect. From walking the campus to implementing creative engagement strategies like bringing in support animals, his focus on connection is clear. I’m confident his leadership will enhance the strong reputation of our police department and continue to make our campus a safe, welcoming place to learn and work.”
As USC Upstate welcomes Chief Boyce, the university also celebrates Chief Peterson’s legacy and the high standards he established for safety, service and integrity.