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Underwood named deputy chief in Public Safety by Cindy Abole  Public Relations Ronald J. Underwood has been named deputy director and deputy chief of MUSC's Department of Public Safety. He replaces Deputy Chief J.D. Blair who retired in late June. The selection was the result of a university search and decision made by Public Safety's Promotion Board composed of Charles Wiley, public safety chief; Jackie Jones, human resources director; and Melinda Anderson, director of parking management. “Deputy Chief Underwood is an individual who knows the system and is familiar with a variety of resources necessary to get things done,” said Wiley. “We've already benefitted from him as a result of his new position.” The Indianapolis native brings nine years of experience in military law enforcement to his position. Underwood began his career with MUSC in 1995 assigned as a security officer with the College of Charleston. After moving onto the MUSC campus, Underwood worked with the Patrol Division. He later became affiliated with the department's accreditation efforts, another area of his expertise. Underwood came to MUSC following a 22-year military career working as operations officer of the Naval Consolidated Brig, a maximum security facility for military personnel based at the Charleston Naval Weapons Station. He has also worked as a commander of the base's SWAT and hostage rescue teams until his retirement in 1995. In 1993, the Navy facility earned national stature by becoming one of the military's first correctional organizations accredited by the American Correctional Association. The Navy also recognized Underwood for attaining the title of master correctional specialist. He earned his B.S. in business management from Limestone College.