Brad Irvin

Meet Brad Irvin, Director of Safety and Chief of Police at Texarkana ISD, and alumnus of Texas A&M University-Texarkana. Irvin graduated from A&M-Texarkana with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 1999. When Irvin goes to work every day, he has a lot on his mind. He has to. His department is responsible for the safety and security of 7,000 students and approximately 1250 faculty and staff members throughout multiple campuses.

Irvin says that his degree from A&M-Texarkana has been instrumental to his success as a career law enforcement officer. “I received a well-rounded degree,” Irvin said. “Not only did it teach me federal and state laws, but there were psychology classes and other courses that allow me to better interact with people and help to understand why someone behaved a certain way or did something to violate the law. Understanding why someone broke the law can often help you determine what their punishment may or may not be.”

Irvin says one of the things he liked the most about A&M-Texarkana was the small class sizes and the personal interaction he was able to have with his professors, who he says were always available for assistance or help if he needed them.

The Chief hasn’t just worked with the law enforcement side of the district, having taught dual credit criminal justice courses at Texas High for several years. Like any educator, he says his favorite thing about his job is the students and says there’s a special feeling when he sees a student that he’s worked with cross the graduation stage. “When you see a student cross that stage that you know and have worked with- it makes you feel pretty good,” he said. “Whether it’s someone I had to help with the legal side of things or someone I was helping with their studies, it means a lot to know that I had a part in helping them finish their high school career.”

Brad has been married to his wife Christiane for 21 years. Together they have two children, Carly (17) and Collin (11). When not at work Irvin enjoys hunting, fishing, playing golf, and watching Collin play football and baseball.

We’re proud to recognize another soaring Eagle! Thak you, Brad, for the work you do serving TISD and the Texarkana community.