The University of Minnesota has hired Michael A. Davis, a former Brooklyn Park police chief, to lead its Department of Public Safety.
Davis has 33 years of law enforcement experience and comes to the U’s campus after spending the previous 12 years serving as chief of police for Northeastern University in Boston.
His career began in the Twin Cities metro area, serving in the Minneapolis Police Department for 16 years before becoming the chief in Brooklyn Park from 2008 to 2013.
“Returning home to lead the University of Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety is an extraordinary honor,” Davis said in a statement. “The University of Minnesota is a world-class institution and I look forward to collaborating with students, faculty and staff as well as building upon our relationships with the community along with our law enforcement partners.”
Davis will start the job in January.
Davis was chosen after a national search. He holds a doctorate in law and policy from Northeastern University and degrees in criminal justice and organizational management from Concordia University, St. Paul. While in Brooklyn Park in 2012, he was recognized by the Police Executive Research Forum for improving the quality of police services.
“His appointment underscores the university’s commitment to strengthening campus and community safety through collaboration and prevention,” Gregg Goldman, executive vice president for finance and operations, said in a statement.
Davis is replacing Matthew Clark, who retired from the department in May. In October, Clark was appointed the interim leader of the Golden Valley Police Department.
