Ryan Williams appointed Chief of University Police

Ryan Williams, a longstanding member of the SUNY New Paltz University Police Department (UPD) who has served as Deputy Chief of Police since 2022, has been appointed Chief of Police effective March 1, 2024.

Williams is a U.S. Army veteran who grew up in New Paltz and has been a member of our UPD since 2002, advancing through roles as a Dispatcher, Officer, Lieutenant, Interim Deputy Chief and Deputy Chief.

He has received numerous professional honors from the SUNY Police Chiefs Association, including awards for life-saving responses to emergency situations on and off campus. The SUNY Police Chiefs Association has also recognized Williams with the Professional Service Award, reserved for members who contribute to enhancing the operation of their departments.

His distinguished record of service has been marked by a strong commitment to training and professional development. He is a committed advocate of community policing and has worked closely with fellow officers and other campus partners to host events aimed at creating positive interactions between UPD members and the community they serve.

Williams’s newest collaborator in this work is his therapy dog (in training), Ellie, who in her first year on the force has already become a beloved celebrity around the New Paltz campus.

Please join us in congratulating Ryan Williams on his advancement to this new role.