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Vice �Թ��� for Public Safety Marlon Lynch today announced his plan to retire after leading CU Boulder’s Division of Public Safety (DPS) since its inception in early 2024.��

Lynch’s retirement is effective May 31, though he will continue to serve CU Boulder in a part-time capacity over the next nine to 12 months to help maintain the positive momentum DPS has established in enhancing safety and preparing for large-scale initiatives like the Sundance Film Festival.��

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve CU Boulder and partner with so many people on our campus and across Boulder to create a public safety model that supports and uplifts the campus community,” Lynch said. “Throughout my career, I’ve viewed public safety not as a job but a calling, one in which we get to help create and maintain safe communities where all can feel belonging and thrive. I am deeply thankful for all in our community who welcomed me and collaborated in our efforts.”

Senior Vice �Թ��� for Operations Janel Forde has appointed Assistant Vice �Թ��� for Public Safety Operations Jack Briggs to lead DPS in an interim capacity while a national search is conducted for Lynch’s successor.��

“Marlon has made a substantial positive impact on our campus in just a short amount of time,” Forde said. “His leadership has been integral in reshaping and implementing a holistic public safety model on our campus. Our DPS team plays an integral role in supporting the success of our students, faculty and staff, and the division is built on a solid foundation thanks to Marlon and his leadership team. We are grateful for his service, and I am excited that he has agreed to continue serving the campus over the coming months as we work through the transition.”

Lynch spent more than 30 years working in law enforcement and public safety. He joined CU Boulder in March 2024 as the associate vice chancellor for public safety before later being promoted to vice chancellor.��

The Division of Public Safety includes the CU Police Department, Events and Emergency Management, Flight Operations, Security Operations, Communications Centers, Security Services, and Threat Assessment.��

Lynch was instrumental in shaping the public safety model at CU Boulder, updating senior leadership role structure for critical incident response, establishing the new threat assessment team, standing up a new K9 explosive detection unit, expanding the co-responder model between CUPD and mental health clinicians, and unifying campus security systems.��

Lynch joined CU Boulder from Michigan State �Թ���, where he served as the vice president and chief safety officer after first being hired as vice president for public safety and chief of police. Prior to that he served as chief safety officer at the �Թ��� of Utah, senior vice president for campus services and safety at New York �Թ���, and associate vice president for safety and security and civic affairs at the �Թ��� of Chicago.��He holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from Boston �Թ��� and a bachelor of arts in criminal justice from Michigan State. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

“I am excited for this next stage of life and excited for the chance to continue to serve CU Boulder in the coming months,” Lynch said. “Our DPS team comprises an exceptional group of professionals, and I could not be more proud to serve with them. I know they will continue to build upon our momentum.”