Roudebush follows Chief Jim Dunlap , who will retire at the end of the year after serving at the department since 1969, according to a press release .

MSU alumna Kelly Roudebush will be the first woman to act as the chief of police for Michigan State University.

Interim President John Engler appointed Roudebush Tuesday as the fifth police chief of MSUPD after her 24 years of service to the department.

“Deputy Chief Roudebush has a respected law enforcement background as well as a demonstrated track record of maximizing student safety and fostering community relations and stakeholder engagement,” Engler said. “I am confident, as chief, Kelly will continue to work collaboratively within our diverse community to reduce crime, enforce laws, preserve peace and provide for a safe Spartan environment.”

Roudebush will assume her duties of managing the 120-member police department Jan. 1 2019. Dunlap will serve in an advisory capacity during the transition.

Dunlap’s retirement was announced in September. During his time at MSUPD, Dunlap spearheaded innovations to the department such as the Inclusion and Anti-Bias Unit and Behavioral Threat Assessment Unit.

“I’ve had a fantastic career,” said Dunlap in a press release. “I couldn’t be prouder of the officers I’ve served with or the work we’ve done."

Beginning her time at MSUPD in 1994, Roudebush has performed various roles such as a field training officer, training and special events security coordinator, canine handler, patrol shift commander, and a threat assessment team commander. She currently acts as deputy chief of the Field Services Bureau, directing the daily activities of the Uniform, Field Support and Administrative Services divisions.

Roudebush is charged with the responsibility of fostering relationships with university constituents and external agencies in regards to safety and security. She will provide oversight to university emergency preparedness and campus parking, as well as managing departmental budgets.

“I am both honored and humbled to be selected to serve as the next chief of police for the MSU Police Department,” Roudebush said in the press release. “I am truly excited to lead this innovative organization into the future with an emphasis on our core values of honor, integrity and leadership.”