Fountain L. Walker, an accomplished and widely respected leader in law enforcement and campus security, has been named chief of police at the University of Chicago after a national search, effective Aug. 17.
Walker will oversee the day-to-day operations of the University of Chicago Police Department, including supervision of the department’s approximately 100 state-certified police officers. He also will be responsible for operational enhancements and security technology, as well as support for training and development opportunities for police officers.
“Through his exemplary performance as a UCPD leader, Fountain Walker has demonstrated his commitment to maintaining close and collaborative relationships with the University community and our neighbors,” said Rowan Miranda, vice president for operations and chief financial officer. “He has earned the respect of his peers and the communities we serve, and I know he will excel in his important new role.”
Since 2014, Walker has served as the assistant chief of police and executive director of protective services for UCPD, overseeing safety- and security-related functions at the University’s Laboratory Schools and Charter School. He also has been instrumental in working on global security initiatives and the coordination of security for high-profile events on campus.
“I am excited to continue working with a dynamic group of individuals who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of everyone we serve,” said Walker. “I also look forward to continuing to build on the relationships I have been able to establish here at the University of Chicago.”
As chief of police, Walker will report to Marlon Lynch, associate vice president for Safety, Security and Civic Affairs, who served as chief of police since 2009. Lynch’s expanded new role includes oversight of risk management and loss prevention for the University’s insured properties; oversight and leadership of the Department of Safety and Security, which encompasses UCPD, environmental health and safety, transportation and parking, and emergency management; and the advancement of strategic civic initiatives, in collaboration with leadership in the Office of Civic Engagement.
“Marlon has been instrumental in restructuring the UCPD to be even more responsive, effective and engaged with the communities the force serves,” Miranda said. “He also has helped to recruit other talented leaders such as Fountain. With their leadership, the University will continue its strong commitment to ensuring that residents of our community have a secure environment in which to live and work.”
Before joining the UCPD, Walker served as police chief at Davidson College in North Carolina, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1986 to 1994. He graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
—Prof. Jacqueline Stewart
