Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to inform you of a transition in the leadership of the University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD).

Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Craig Stone announced this morning that he is leaving UIPD to become the Deputy Director of the Department of Public Safety for the City of Columbus. He will conclude his appointment here on Jan. 15.

I have asked Deputy UI Police Chief Matt Myrick to serve as interim executive director of public safety and chief of police as we conduct a national search for a candidate to fill those roles on a permanent basis. This appointment will begin on Jan. 16.

Chief Stone has made major strides in building strong processes and approaches for UIPD, and he made clear to me that he had not been actively looking at other positions. But leaders in Columbus recruited him, and the pull of family and home was great.

I am grateful for the many things Chief Stone has accomplished in his relatively short time here.

We will begin a national search for Chief Stone’s replacement as quickly as possible, and I thank Interim Chief Myrick for his dedication and his willingness to step up to ensure we have steady and dependable leadership during this time of transition.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Jones
Chancellor