Security Corner: Meet Sgt. Anthony Jones
Sgt. Anthony Jones joined University School of Nashville in November as a School Resource Officer, a certified police officer who is primarily assigned to a school and provides safety and security-related functions, including emergency response, safety training, traffic direction, and patrol functions.
By Lauren Max, Anna Garmezy, and Sarah Rubin, Parent Members of the Safety and Security Advisory Committee
A safe and secure school environment is important for the well-being of students, faculty, and staff. Many studies show how the correlation between safety and positive school culture leads to increased engagement and better educational outcomes. Building a culture of safety does not happen overnight, it takes commitment and involves the entire school community. A culture of safety builds confidence, not fear, and empowers staff with the tools and training necessary to effectively respond to emergencies.
A safe and secure school environment is important for the well-being of students, faculty, and staff. Many studies show how the correlation between safety and positive school culture leads to increased engagement and better educational outcomes. Building a culture of safety does not happen overnight, it takes commitment and involves the entire school community. A culture of safety builds confidence, not fear, and empowers staff with the tools and training necessary to effectively respond to emergencies.
USN remains committed to providing a safe, secure, and nurturing environment in which students, faculty, and staff can thrive and enjoy the USN experience. This school year, USN has hired several School Resource Officers and Community Service Officers to engage with students and participate in community activities. Please take a moment to meet our SRO of the Week: Sgt. Anthony Jones.
Q: Tell us about your training.
A: I began my career working as a local correctional officer and then served as a Deputy with Davidson County Sheriff’s Department. I worked for Vanderbilt University Police Department for the past 22 years. At VUPD, I served in various roles, most recently as a Sergeant with One Hundred Oaks and as a Bike Officer. Since becoming a police officer, I have been trained as a First Responder and School Resource Officer, as well as in verbal judo/de-escalation techniques, critical incident management, and active shooter protocol. I am also a certified SWAT officer and team leader.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: My dad was a police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. Seeing him do this job influenced me to do it too. What I really love about this profession is using our resources to help people from all walks of life and diverse communities. We’re kind of like social and mental health workers but with badges.
Q: What is your favorite thing about USN?
A: Meeting the USN community members and assisting with traffic control to help get our community in and out of USN safely.
Q: What is something people may not know about you?
A: I am an avid collector of comic books.
Q: Tell us about your family.
A: I’m happily married and have two wonderful grown daughters.
Click here to read more about Sgt. Anthony Jones.
Q: Tell us about your training.
A: I began my career working as a local correctional officer and then served as a Deputy with Davidson County Sheriff’s Department. I worked for Vanderbilt University Police Department for the past 22 years. At VUPD, I served in various roles, most recently as a Sergeant with One Hundred Oaks and as a Bike Officer. Since becoming a police officer, I have been trained as a First Responder and School Resource Officer, as well as in verbal judo/de-escalation techniques, critical incident management, and active shooter protocol. I am also a certified SWAT officer and team leader.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: My dad was a police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. Seeing him do this job influenced me to do it too. What I really love about this profession is using our resources to help people from all walks of life and diverse communities. We’re kind of like social and mental health workers but with badges.
Q: What is your favorite thing about USN?
A: Meeting the USN community members and assisting with traffic control to help get our community in and out of USN safely.
Q: What is something people may not know about you?
A: I am an avid collector of comic books.
Q: Tell us about your family.
A: I’m happily married and have two wonderful grown daughters.
Click here to read more about Sgt. Anthony Jones.
More USN News
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Remembering Cassandra Teague Walker '67
Peabody Demonstration School's first African-American graduate passed away September 3, 2025. Cassandra Teague Walker '67 returned to her alma mater many times to share her experiences with young students and is featured on the 21st Avenue garage mural.Read More -
5 USN students named National Merit Semifinalists
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors seniors whose PSAT scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to seniors Darcy Dove, Finch Fleming, Evan Giles, Ismaeel Moskinzada, and Lin Zheng for this honor.Read More -
Clear, restock your shelves during Fall Book Frenzy
Thank you to the many families, faculty, and staff who have donated their pre-loved books, games, and puzzles for resale. USNA continues to accept donations. Fall Book Frenzy takes place Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27 in Cheek Gym. This annual used book sale benefits the Hassenfeld Library.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.