“Chief Chatman has emphasized the importance of community policing and worked to foster strong connections between public safety and the entire campus community, especially students,” William Fischer, vice president for student development, said in a prepared statement released Thursday afternoon.
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“He has been a strong voice for our UD police officers and their professional development. Chief engaged in his work with the highest level of professionalism and integrity,” Fischer said.
Chatman, in the same prepared statement, thanked UD.
“There is something truly special about a place that celebrates prayer and works across divisional lines in support of one another. On this journey, I met some amazing people (students, faculty and staff) and created memories that should never fade," he said.
University of Utah President Ruth Watkins said Chatman is the ideal candidate to lead change in her university’s public safety department.
“Rodney is particularly recognized for effectiveness in building partnerships with students to enhance safety,” Watkins said in a prepared statement.
At UD, Chatman oversees police, parking, emergency response and emergency medical services.
He previously served as a police officer and then captain at the University of Cincinnati, where he supervised a staff of nearly 100 police, security and emergency communications personnel.
Chatman succeeds Dale Brophy, who retired in October 2019.
There has been no word about who will replace Chatman at UD.
“The Division of Student Development is currently working on a transitional plan to ensure continuity in our efforts to keep students and the entire campus community safe,” Fischer said.
“We expect to share more about our plans for the transition shortly,” he said.
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