Michigan State University Interim President John Engler named Deputy Chief Kelly Roudebush the next chief of police for the MSU Police Department effective Jan. 1, 2019. Roudebush will be the fifth chief, and the first woman, to head the department.
The 24-year department veteran succeeds Chief Jim Dunlap, who retires Dec. 31 after nearly 50 years of service. Dunlap will serve in an advisory capacity during the transition.
Roudebush will lead the university’s 120-member police department, including management and strategic vision for campus safety operations and implementation of policies and programming protocols.
“Deputy Chief Roudebush has a respected law enforcement background as well as a demonstrated track record of maximizing student safety and fostering community relations and stakeholder engagement,” Engler said. “I am confident, as chief, Kelly will continue to work collaboratively within our diverse community to reduce crime, enforce laws, preserve peace and provide for a safe Spartan environment.”
Roudebush also will be responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with university constituents and external agencies regarding safety and security operations; oversight of university emergency preparedness and campus parking; and management of departmental budgets to meet and exceed programming objectives.
“I am both honored and humbled to be selected to serve as the next chief of police for the MSU Police Department,” Roudebush said. “I am truly excited to lead this innovative organization into the future with an emphasis on our core values of honor, integrity and leadership.”
Roudebush joined the MSU Police Department as an officer in 1994. As deputy chief of the Field Services Bureau, she currently directs the daily activities of the Uniform, Field Support and Administrative Services divisions. She previously served as a field training officer, canine handler, patrol shift commander, training and special events security coordinator, and as a threat assessment team commander.
Roudebush earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from MSU and her Master of Public Administration degree from Western Michigan University.
