Bennett Belle Stephanie Mardis ’00  Named Chief of Police for the City of Durham

Bennett College is proud to celebrate one of its own. Stephanie Mardis ’00 has been selected as the next Chief of Police for the City of Durham, marking a historic milestone in a career built on dedication, leadership, and service.

With 24 years of law enforcement experience, Chief Mardis has spent her career rising through the ranks while never losing sight of the values she carried with her from Bennett’s campus. Her appointment as Durham’s top law enforcement official is more than a professional achievement, it’s a powerful reflection of the leadership and excellence that define Bennett Belles everywhere.

Throughout her career, Chief Mardis has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to community safety and transformative leadership, qualities that have distinguished her as a trusted and capable leader within her department and across the communities she has served. 

The City of Durham has gained an outstanding leader in Chief Mardis, and the Bennett College community could not be prouder to call her one of our own.

Congratulations, Belle Mardis, we are cheering you on every step of the way!