![\"\"](\"https:\/\/news.utoledo.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/THEIS-STORY.jpg\")
<\/a>Theis<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201cSuccession planning is a critical piece of maintaining the success of The University of Toledo Police Department,\u201d Newton said. \u201cRod and I have worked together for over a decade to build a professional police organization that serves the campus with integrity and compassion.\u00a0Rod 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
An alumnus of UToledo, Theis holds a master\u2019s degree in higher education administration and a bachelor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d Theis said.<\/p>\n
Theis was hired as a police officer in 1998 and has been promoted to the ranks of lieutenant and deputy chief.<\/p>\n
Lt. John Lauzenheiser will become the police department\u2019s deputy chief.\u00a0Also a career UToledo Police officer, Lauzenheiser was hired in 1996 and has served as a detective, sergeant and lieutenant.\u00a0He holds a master\u2019s degree in educational technology and a bachelor\u2019s degree in administrative services, both from UToledo, and is currently enrolled in CLEE.<\/p>\n