Utah Valley University appoints first chief safety officer

Utah Valley University (UVU) has hired Michael Rapich as its first-ever chief safety officer. Rapich, a retired colonel who previously led the Utah Highway Patrol for nine years, will oversee campus safety operations, emergency management, and preparedness.

The appointment follows the assassination of political activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk on the UVU campus in September 2025. An external review conducted after the incident identified significant gaps in the university’s security protocols, including insufficient rooftop security and inadequate police staffing during the event.

In response to the review, UVU created this new administrative role to strengthen emergency response and coordination with other agencies. The university’s president, Jon Anderson, stated that Rapich’s experience and established relationships across Utah will help ensure the campus remains a safe environment for students and employees.