Edgar Rodriguez has been named Interim AVP for Public Safety and Chief of Police for Oregon State University.

Rodriguez has served as the associate vice president and chief of public safety/emergency management at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut since 2014. He leads the university’s Department of Public Safety, and develops and implements programs to ensure the safety and security of a diverse campus community.

Rodriguez will lead a new police department on OSU’s Corvallis campus. The Oregon State University Board of Trustees established the department last month. The department will operate within Oregon State’s Department of Public Safety and begin operations on July 1, after contracts for law enforcement services on OSU’s Corvallis campus with the Oregon State Police end on June 30.

“This position is an outstanding opportunity to become a proactive member of an international public research university and to serve a diverse community of students, faculty and staff,” Rodriguez said. “This position will provide me with the opportunity to share my experience, education and commitment to serve Beaver Nation.”

Rodriguez has a broad background and deep knowledge of campus-based engagement, public safety and community policing, law enforcement leadership and emergency management. He has served in positions with the Department of Public Safety at Quinnipiac University, the Connecticut State Police and the Beacon Falls Police Department in Connecticut.

“Edgar’s experience with law enforcement and experience in higher education stood out among the candidates we spoke with,” said Paul Odenthal, senior associate vice president for administration, who chaired the search for the interim police chief. “His commitment to transparency and approach to engaging students are well aligned to the values and principles we have heard from our community throughout our listening sessions.”

Rodriguez holds a bachelor’s degree in individual studies, public safety administration from Charter Oak State College in Connecticut and a master’s degree in business management from Albertus Magnus College in Connecticut.

Currently, the University of Oregon, Portland State University and all Pac-12 conference members operate their own police departments.