Acworth Police Chief Michael Wilkie will resign his position at the end of the month to take a position with his alma mater Bob Jones University in Greenvile, S.C.

Wilkie, who has led the department since December 2002, will become director of the school’s criminal justice program.

Next week City Manager Brian Bulthuis will recommend to city officials that Major Wayne Dennard be appointed to the chief’s position. Dennard has been with the Acworth department for nine years, including more than three years as major.

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com