The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has named two finalists in its search for the next chief of police. The candidates will visit campus July 6-7.
The candidates, selected through a national search, will participate in on-campus interviews — observing all social distancing and other COVID-19 health guidance — and meet with members of the University Police Department, university leaders, community stakeholders, and student, faculty and staff representatives.
The finalists, listed by interview date, are:
July 6 — Rodney E. Clark, chief of police at Wichita State University; and
July 7 — Hassan Ramzah, interim chief of police, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
The university’s chief of police reports to and serves on the leadership team of the vice chancellor for business and finance. The chief serves a vital role in leading the university police department and guiding safety, securing and success on campus.
The next chief will build upon the foundation of success of the department and lead the university’s policing and public safety initiatives. The position will promote a safe, secure and inclusive environment while overseeing operations and strategic planning of all police functions.
Information about the finalists is below. Learn more about the search, which is led by Laurie Bellows, interim vice chancellor for Student Affairs.
Rodney E. Clark
Interview date: July 6
Clark currently serves as chief of police at Wichita State University, leading a department that includes 45 personnel. He also served 22 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a major in the Military Police Corps. His career highlights include commanding a military police unit of 200 personnel at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma, and serving as deputy provost marshal and director of emergency services for the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea.
Clark earned a master’s degree in criminal justice and has attended senior law enforcement educational study programs offered by the U.S. Army and Air Force. Clark also serves as an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Wichita State.
Hassan Ramzah
Interview date: July 7
Ramzah currently serves as interim chief of police at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, a post he’s held since July 2019. Since August 2016, he has served as the department’s assistant police chief. Ramzah has 30 years of law enforcement experience, including 26 years with the Wichita Police Department in Wichita, Kansas. He has held the rank of officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and deputy chief. Ramzah also served six years active duty in the U.S. Army.
Ramzah holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration. He is pursuing a doctorate degree in educational studies leadership and higher education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Ramzah is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy.
Find more information on the search online.
