Tarleton State University has named veteran law enforcement leader Dr. Michael E. Jones as the University Police Department Chief of Police, pending approval by The Texas A&M System Board of Regents. Jones brings nearly 30 years of experience in policing, corrections, emergency management, public safety training and homeland security to the role. Jones will report to the Division of Student Engagement and Success.
“Dr. Jones brings an exceptional depth of experience, a strong record of leadership and a clear commitment to building trust through service,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “His background in law enforcement, emergency operations, training and community partnerships will strengthen our ability to provide a safe and welcoming environment for every member of Texan Nation. We also are deeply grateful to Chief Matt Welch for his 12 years of dedicated service and for the lasting foundation of professionalism, accreditation and community engagement he has built within our University Police Department.”
Jones most recently served as Deputy Chief of Police for BNSF Railway, overseeing operations in Fort Worth, Temple and Houston, Texas, and Lafayette, La. In that role, he supervised special agents, managed daily operations and maintained partnerships with district attorney and county attorney offices.
His career also includes experience as a corrections officer, parole officer, juvenile county court officer, municipal police officer and public safety officer. After joining BNSF Railway Police in 2012, Jones served as a law enforcement liaison in Homeland Security and later led field training and professional development programs for officers across the railway’s network. He was promoted to deputy chief in 2022.
“My vision for campus safety is rooted in a culture of care, preparedness and shared responsibility that supports student success,” said Dr. Diana Ortega, Vice President of the Division of Student Engagement and Success. “I am confident that Chief Jones’ leadership will strengthen that commitment and further enhance the University Police Department’s positive impact on the Tarleton State community and the citizens we serve. His commitment to collaboration, trust, and community engagement will help sustain the safe and supportive environment that is essential to the success and well-being of our university community.”
Jones earned a Doctor of Professional Studies in homeland security studies from St. John’s University, a Master of Professional Studies in homeland security studies from Tulane University, a Master of Science in human relations and business from Amberton University and a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University.
His professional credentials include the ASIS International Certified Protection Professional designation, the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Leadership Trilogy and a Master Peace Officer certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. He also holds certifications as an advanced law enforcement instructor, firefighter and emergency medical services provider.
“I am excited to join the Tarleton State team and serve alongside officers committed to providing a safe, welcoming campus environment,” Jones said. “This role brings together my passions for policing, homeland security and higher education. Chief Welch is passing along a strong department filled with dedicated professionals, and I look forward to building on that foundation through collaboration, preparedness and service to the university community.”
Jones will build on the department’s progress under Welch, who has led the University Police Department since 2014. Welch will retire Aug. 31 after 12 years at Tarleton State and 43 years in law enforcement.
Throughout Welch’s tenure, the department earned Best Practices accreditation from the Texas Police Chiefs Association, becoming the first law enforcement agency in Erath County to do so. Welch also expanded community outreach and preventive safety efforts, strengthened programs such as Shop With a Cop and guided the department through Tarleton State’s growth in facilities, locations and NCAA Division I athletics.
During the transition period before his retirement, Welch will serve as Special Assistant to the Vice President for Safety, Security and Emergency Services. In that role, he will help ensure continuity of operations and share his experience with Jones and the department.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Tarleton State and the surrounding community for nearly 12 years,” Welch said. “Our department has always gone the extra mile for faculty, staff, students and visitors, from helping people navigate our growing campus to responding wherever we are needed. After 43 years in law enforcement, I am especially proud that we became the first police department in the immediate region to earn Best Practices accreditation from the Texas Police Chiefs Association. I look forward to seeing Chief Mike Jones’ vision and leadership in the years ahead.”
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