Marlon Lynch named next Chief of Police at Michigan State University

February 4, 2021

Michigan State University has chosen Marlon Lynch to serve as the university’s next chief of police. Lynch, an MSU alum who has worked in law enforcement for nearly 25 years, will also hold the title of vice president for public safety.

Lynch previously served as Chief Safety Officer for the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. In this position, he oversaw more than 180 individuals in police, health system security, emergency management and community services.

The search committee was chaired by Deputy Athletic Director Alan Haller, a former first lieutenant in the MSUPD. “I’m pleased to see the inclusive, equitable and transparent work of the search committee culminate in a successful hire. Marlon has shown he is committed to collaboration and transparency, as well as the safety and success of every community member,” Haller said. “Plus, he has an extensive leadership background in higher education law enforcement. Marlon will be an outstanding addition to Michigan State University as the next police chief."

As vice president for public safety and chief of police, Lynch will lead the university’s 120-member police department, including community engagement, cybersecurity, emergency management, parking enforcement and traffic engineering. His emphasis will be on community policing and enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

“This is an exciting opportunity for me to return to a campus and university that I hold in high regard, and to lead a talented group of public safety professionals at Michigan State University,” said Lynch. “It’s an honor to be selected for this role and to serve the university community while enhancing community collaboration efforts."

Lynch began his career as a police officer in the Meridian Township Police Department near MSU’s East Lansing campus. He has also held positions at Southern Methodist University in Dallas; Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina; University of North Carolina at Charlotte; North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro; Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee; University of Chicago; and New York University in New York City.

Much of Lynch’s experience has been at nationally recognized programs, and that he has been involved in both domestic and international security efforts.

Lynch earned his bachelor’s degree from MSU and a master’s degree from Boston University, both in criminal justice.

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