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.
“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.