Texas Tech University Police Chief Ronald Seacrist began his retirement May 31 after serving 45 years in law enforcement and just over 10 years at Texas Tech.

Seacrist joined the Texas Tech police force in October 2004 after serving as police chief for the University of West Florida. In his 45 years of service, Seacrist has served for California State University-Northridge, the University of Texas-San Antonio, Valdosta State University, the University of Central Florida and Tulane University. Prior to working in university law enforcement, Seacrist served as an officer and sergeant for the Tampa Police Department in Florida.

“In the past 10 years Chief Seacrist has worked endlessly to keep our campus as safe as possible,” said Texas Tech President M. Duane Nellis. “Our goal is to keep our campus safe and secure for our students, faculty and staff, and Chief Seacrist has played an important role in those efforts. After his many years of service, the Texas Tech community is grateful for his diligent and dedicated work.”

While Texas Tech begins the search for its new police chief, Assistant Police Chief Kenny Evans will serve as the interim.

“After 45 years in law enforcement, I am looking forward to retiring and being able to spend time with my family,” Seacrist said. “I have been chief of police at Texas Tech for the last 10 and a half years. I can honestly say that my time at Texas Tech has been my most rewarding time in law enforcement.”

A retirement reception was held in his honor Tuesday (May 26) at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center.

“The Texas Tech Police Department will greatly miss Ronald Seacrist as chief of police,” Evans said. “During his tenure, he provided the necessary leadership and guidance to the police department to support the vision and mission of both Texas Tech University and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. The command staff he leaves behind looks forward to working with university administrators in selecting the next chief of police to fill the big shoes he leaves behind.”

A Florida native, Seacrist chose law enforcement because it was a good fit for him after serving in the army, including a tour of duty in Vietnam.

Seacrist plans on moving to Valdosta, Georgia, after retirement because his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren live there.

He intends to spend time with his family, do some consulting and relax.

“The support of the university administration as well as the professionalism of the police department staff has made my job here the most rewarding of my career,” Seacrist said. “I will really miss every single person at the university, especially the police department.

“I wish each member of the police department success in their future endeavors.”

(Press release from Texas Tech University)