Dearman focused on safety and service at MCC
When Lieutenant Tim Dearman talks about campus safety, it’s clear he sees his role as more than a job — it’s a calling.
As Meridian Community College’s Campus Police lieutenant and safety and security coordinator, Dearman brings nearly two decades of experience to this position.
But for him, it all started long before the badge.
“I’m the oldest of six,” Dearman said. “Being the big brother to five little sisters, I’ve always had a drive to be a protector. Between my childhood, military background, and my desire to make a difference, law enforcement was the natural fit.”
The desire to serve and protect others has led Dearman on a 17-year career that has taken him through several agencies, beginning as a reserve officer with the Meridian Police Department in 2008 and even working at MCC’s campus police as a full-time officer. He later joined the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, where he served on the SWAT team and as a patrol supervisor, and eventually worked as a detective in the Criminal Investigation Division at Meridian PD. He now leads safety efforts at MCC while also serving part-time with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office.
He’s trained at multiple academies across the Southeast, including the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers’ Training Academy and the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, building expertise in patrol operations, SWAT tactics, and field training.
“We are pleased to have Lieutenant Dearman on board within our agency. His experience and training are essential to the growth of our department,” said MCC Chief of Campus Police Joshua May.
At MCC, Dearman’s focus is on both protection and partnership.
“My biggest goal is simple: keep this campus safe while building strong relationships. Students and staff should feel secure, but also know they can approach us, talk to us, and trust us. I want MCC Police to be seen as a part of the campus family, not just the guys with badges,” Dearman said.
Dearman said joining MCC allowed him to make a broader impact. “It’s not just about enforcing the law,” he said. “It’s about shaping a culture of safety for an entire college.”
A graduate of Enterprise High School, Dearman studied civil engineering through the Community College of the Air Force while serving in the U.S. Air Force. He later began studying psychology and plans to return to school soon.
Outside of work, Dearman enjoys spending time with his wife, Angela, and their children — Austin, Piper, and Kaidence. He also loves music, weightlifting, and traveling, especially on his motorcycle.
“We stay busy, but we make time for each other,” he said. “That balance keeps me grounded and ready to serve.”
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/campuspolice.