Rod Theis will be promoted to The University of Toledo Chief of Police effective Feb. 1.
Theis, who currently serves as deputy chief, assumes the leadership role as Jeff Newton, who has served as UToledo’s police chief since 2006, moves into a new position as associate vice president for public safety.
Theis
“Succession planning is a critical piece of maintaining the success of The University of Toledo Police Department,” Newton said. “Rod and I have worked together for over a decade to build a professional police organization that serves the campus with integrity and compassion. Rod has been preparing for this opportunity for a number of years and it is his turn to lead the department. In Rod, UToledo has the finest and most prepared police chief you will find in higher education.”
An alumnus of UToledo, Theis holds a master’s degree in higher education administration and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University. Theis also is a graduate of Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE), which is a master’s level program through the Ohio Association of Chief of Police.
“I am proud to have spent my career at UToledo and thankful for the opportunity to lead a great team of engaged officers who are committed to protecting and serving our campus community,” Theis said.
Theis was hired as a police officer in 1998 and has been promoted to the ranks of lieutenant and deputy chief.
Lt. John Lauzenheiser will become the police department’s deputy chief. Also a career UToledo Police officer, Lauzenheiser was hired in 1996 and has served as a detective, sergeant and lieutenant. He holds a master’s degree in educational technology and a bachelor’s degree in administrative services, both from UToledo, and is currently enrolled in CLEE.
