Texas A&M Appoints New Chief Of Police

J. Michael Ragan has been appointed as Texas A&M University’s new chief of police, officials announced today. Ragan has held the position on an interim basis for the past six months and has been a member of the University Police Department (UPD) for the past 33 years.

He was selected for the position following a nationwide search to fill the position previously held by Elmer Schneider, who retired in April.

“I’ve known and worked closely with Mike Ragan for several years and have witnessed firsthand his expertise, professionalism, integrity and firm commitment to ensuring the safety of our campus – its students, faculty, staff and visitors. He is well-respected by coworkers as well as law enforcement personnel throughout the local community, state and nation,” said Christopher Meyer, assistant vice president for safety and security and to whom Ragan will report organizationally.

“I also take this opportunity to applaud members of the search advisory committee for their tireless efforts to identify the best candidate for the job, which resulted in unanimous support for the appointment of Interim Chief Ragan to continue to serve our university in such an important position,” Meyer added.

The search advisory committee — comprised of faculty, staff, and student representatives from various campus departments with the assistance of local law enforcement officials — conducted on-campus interviews with three individuals, including Ragan and two other individuals who currently serve as police chiefs at two other institutions. The three finalists participated in a series of interviews and presentations over a two-day period.

“I’ve had the good fortune to work with the officers and staff of the Texas A&M University Police Department during the majority of my law enforcement career.   It is an honor to have been chosen to lead this dedicated group of public servants,” Regan said.

“As the university continues to excel as a leader in higher education, so must we continue to improve and expand police services to ensure a safe and secure campus environment and I am fully committed to helping make that happen.”

Ragan has over 34 years of experience in law enforcement — mostly at Texas A&M. Since joining UPD in 1980, he has held several increasingly responsible positions.    Prior to being named interim chief, since 1984, Ragan has served as assistant chief of the field operations division.   In that role, he has provided senior leadership for police patrol, criminal investigations and the community services divisions.   Additionally, he was responsible for the implementation of departmental and university-wide strategic initiatives for crime reduction, increased community partnerships, and security for critical assets and infrastructure on the Texas A&M campus.

He is a recipient of Texas A&M’s President’s Meritorious Service Award for Outstanding Service and was recognized by the Central Texas Crime Prevention Association as an Outstanding Crime Prevention Manager for a Specialized Agency for his proactive approach in the implementation and use of new technology to help expand the department’s crime prevention initiatives.    He also is responsible for developing the department’s first website and advancing the effective use of social media for sharing important crime and safety information.

Ragan earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Texas A&M in 1983.   He also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.