Michael Davis named University of Minnesota assistant vice president and chief of police

Michael A. Davis, a longtime law enforcement leader and innovator, has been named the University of Minnesota’s assistant vice president and chief of police. Davis’ appointment will begin January 12, 2026.

“Dr. Davis is an exceptional leader who brings to the University 33 years of law enforcement experience in Minnesota communities and higher education, as well as advanced scholarship in law enforcement leadership and expertise in managing safety operations,” said Gregg Goldman, executive vice president for finance and operations. “His appointment underscores the University's commitment to strengthening campus and community safety through collaboration and prevention.” 

As assistant vice president and chief of police, Davis will lead the University of Minnesota Department of Public Safety, which includes the Police Department and University Security on the Twin Cities campus, the Public Safety Emergency Communications Center, which operates 911 service for the Twin Cities campus, and the security infrastructure across the University's statewide locations. In addition, Davis will coordinate public safety for all University of Minnesota campuses, and lead efforts to strengthen collaborative partnerships across the University and with law enforcement agencies, including the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Police Departments. 

“Returning home to lead the University of Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety is an extraordinary honor,” said Davis. “The University of Minnesota is a world-class institution and I look forward to collaborating with students, faculty and staff as well as building upon our relationships with the community along with our law enforcement partners.”  

Selected following a comprehensive national search, Davis previously served as chief of police for the Brooklyn Park Police Department from 2008-2013, leading the Minneapolis suburb to a 22-year low in crime. For the past twelve years, he has served as vice president for global safety and policing at Northeastern University, leading safety, crisis management, and international security functions across a global 14-campus system. Davis began his law enforcement career with the Minneapolis Police Department, where leadership roles during his 16-year tenure included patrol sector lieutenant and commander of the internal affairs unit. His work also includes serving as a police practice expert for the U.S. Department of Justice. 

Davis earned his doctorate in law and policy from Northeastern University and his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and master’s degree in organizational management from Concordia University.