University of Oregon Police Department Chief Matthew Carmichael is leaving the UO to become chief of police for Texas State University. Carmichael is making the move to be near family while continuing his career in campus law enforcement.

Carmichael has led the UO department since 2016. Jamie Moffitt, vice president for finance and administration, said that the chief has been a “dedicated leader and a wonderful member of the university community.”

“Over the past five years, Chief Carmichael has transformed the University of Oregon Police Department,” Moffitt said. “Under his leadership, UOPD built strong and productive relationships within the university and the greater Eugene community."

Moffitt noted that during Carmichael’s tenure UOPD became the first campus police department in Oregon to achieve accreditation and meet the Lexipol gold standard for department policy.

Carmichael also completed the department’s first comprehensive staffing assessment, devoting more resources to campus security and unarmed police department positions, known as community service officers. 

Other accomplishments included implementing the department’s first executive student assistant program focused on employing students from underrepresented communities; creating the department’s first student cadet program focused on increasing diversity, equity and inclusion within the ranks of police officers; and signing a pledge to recruit and promote more women in policing.

Under his leadership, UOPD also hosted a national conference for three years focusing on serving victims of mass violence.

Carmichael’s final day at the university will be Nov. 30. Deputy Chief Jason Wade will serve as acting chief of police as the university launches a national search for Carmichael’s replacement.