Chief of Police

Chief of Police

Grand Valley State University, one of the largest public institutions in Michigan, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for its chief of police. This is an on-site leadership role.

Grand Valley State University was chartered by the Michigan legislature in 1960 in response to the need for a public, four-year college in the state's second-largest metropolitan region. More than 22,000 students have chosen to study at Grand Valley. The university has built some of the newest living centers in the state to help students achieve their goals safely, comfortably, and as part of a connected community.

Reporting to the vice president for finance and administration, the chief of police (COP) serves as the chief law enforcement officer for the university and works closely with all university departments. This position is ultimately responsible for every facet of the operation of the police department and law enforcement action within their jurisdiction. This role ensures that the department is adequately staffed, equipped, trained, and disciplined for the detection, prevention, and suppression of crime and the equitable enforcement of all county, city, state, and federal laws within their jurisdiction while conforming to all applicable rules regulating the operation of the police department and law enforcement activities. The COP oversees a staff of 42 and manages a budget of 4.2M.

Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field and at least ten years of progressively responsible management experience in law enforcement. The successful candidate must have the ability to obtain certification as required by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards. Other required knowledge, skills, and abilities include excellent communication and change management skills; a proven and demonstrated track record of working effectively in a culturally and ethnically diverse community; strong oral and written communication skills; strong community outreach skills; ability to develop and implement a budget and operate a police department within established budgetary constraints; high level of critical and analytical thinking skills; and knowledge and expert level of skill in using firearms and other essential equipment. Preferred qualifications include a master's degree in criminal justice or a related field and executive-level training through the FBI National Academy, SMIP, NEI, or other recognized executive command programs.

Application and Nomination
Grand Valley State University has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. The review of applications will begin on May 2, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via

•  Contact Laura Puckett-Boler at for confidential inquiries and salary information.

•  Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at or email .
Visit the Grand Valley State University website at

As adopted by the Board of Trustees, in GVSU Board of Trustees Policy 9.1, Grand Valley State University is committed to inclusion and equity, and strives to establish a climate that welcomes and affirms the contributions of all students and employees. The University is guided by values for inclusiveness and community which are integral to our mission to educate students to shape their lives, their professions, and their societies, and to enrich the community through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and public service. The University strives to provide all members of its community an inclusive environment and equitable opportunities for success.

The University is also committed to maintaining a climate conducive to an educational, living, and employment environment that is free from unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination, as well as those defined by this policy. All members of the community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. It is neither the purpose nor intent of this policy to infringe on the First Amendment or academic freedom as defined by the University.

The University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution, consistent with its obligations as a federal contractor. It encourages diversity and provides equal opportunity in education, employment, all of its programs, and the use of its facilities. It is committed to protecting the constitutional and statutory civil rights of persons connected with the University.

Members of the University community, including students, employees, faculty, staff, administrators, Board members, consultants, vendors, others engaged to do business with the University, candidates for employment or admissions, and visitors or guests have the right to be free from acts of harassment and discrimination, including sexual misconduct, as defined by this policy. In accordance with applicable federal and state law and this policy, acts of discrimination or harassment by members of the campus community are prohibited if they discriminate or harass on the basis of age, color, disability, familial status, height, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex/gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, veteran or active duty military status or weight. This includes inappropriate limitation of, access to, or participation in educational, employment, athletic, social, cultural, or other university programs and activities. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Limitations are lawful if they are directly related to a legitimate university purpose, required by law, or lawfully required by a grant or contract between the university and the state or federal government. For the purposes of this policy, sex-/gender-based harassment includes sexual misconduct, sexual assault, interpersonal or relationship violence, and stalking.

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