Award-winning law enforcement professional to lead K-State Police, public safety

Dr. Kacey Wiltz has been selected as director of public safety and chief of police for Kansas State University following a national search. Wiltz will begin serving in this role on Sept. 14.

Wiltz has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, and she currently serves as the chief of police at Kansas City Kansas Community College. She is passionate about building a culture of safety and trust within the department and with students, faculty, staff and the greater K-State community.

"Dr. Wiltz brings a depth of experience in community policing with a wide range of experiences in municipal departments, school-based policing and major event participation," said Brandon Chance, associate vice president and chief risk and safety officer. "As a leader within the Division of Risk and Safety, we look forward to Chief Wiltz ushering in the next chapter in the storied K-State Police Department."

Wiltz began her law enforcement career with the Topeka Police Department in 2003 and later served as a corporal with the Lawrence Police Department, where she worked as a school resource officer, or SRO, at Lawrence Free State High School and supervised the Lawrence Police Department SRO unit. Her work with students earned her the Hometown Hero Award, and in 2023, the Kansas Juvenile Officers Association named her Kansas School Resource Officer of the Year. That same year, the National Association of School Resource Officers recognized the Lawrence Police Department's student resource officer unit with a Model Agency Award.

Throughout her career, Wiltz has also served as a crisis response team negotiator, field training officer and training coordinator. She holds a doctorate in criminal justice leadership and bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice.

"I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next chief of police at Kansas State University," Wiltz said. "I recognize the legacy and strong foundation of those who have served before me, and I am committed to building on that tradition. By keeping our students at the heart of everything we do, I am confident we can continue to strengthen the K-State Police Department and uphold its tradition of excellence for years to come."