A Message from the Associate Vice President and Chief of Police
Mike Johnson
Associate Vice President and Chief of Police University Police DepartmentHowdy! I am Mike Johnson, the Chief of Police for the Texas A&M University Police Department. We are committed to being a model of world-class public safety, and our top priority is to ensure a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors through cooperative partnerships, professional and courteous interactions with the community and fair and impartial policing efforts. We know you expect the best from us, and we hold ourselves to the same high standards. On behalf of the men and women of the Texas A&M University Police Department, we are honored to serve you and invite you to join us in our efforts to keep Texas A&M University one of the safest campuses in the country."
History of Texas A&M University Chiefs of Police
Edwin E. Powell, 1964–1971
A native of Plainview, Texas, Powell graduated from Hardin-Simmons University. He was a member of the Texas Department of Public Safety and served as Sheriff of Taylor County. He joined Texas A&M University in 1956 as a member of the Texas Engineering Extension Service's Law Enforcement Training Division. In 1964, he was appointed as the Chief of Security. After the passing of Senate Bill 162 in 1967, Powell became Texas A&M University's first Chief of Police.
O.L. Luther, 1971–1978
A native of Frost, Texas, Luther served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was also a member of the Texas Department of Public Safety and spent 10 years as a Texas Ranger in Company F. He spent most of his career in the Brazos Valley, where he was well-respected and admired. In 1971, he was appointed Chief of Security and University Police, a position he held until he died in 1978.
Col. Thomas R. Parsons '49, 1978–1983
After graduating from Texas A&M University, Col. Parsons served in the U.S. Army for 28 years. During this time, he served as Commandant of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets for more than 6 years, the longest term ever held by an active-duty officer. Upon his retirement from the Army, Col. Parsons was selected as the Director of Security and University Police, a position he held for seven years.
Robert E. "Bob" Wiatt, 1984–2004
At the age of 17, Wiatt enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the South Pacific during World War II. After his military service, he attended the University of Cincinnati and spent 30 years as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In 1984, he was appointed Director of Security and University Police, a position he held for 20 years.
Elmer E. Schneider '71, 2004–2013
A native of Devine, Texas, Schneider arrived at Texas A&M University in 1967 to pursue a degree in Agricultural Education. He began his career with the University Police in 1971 as a student worker and served the department for over forty years. Schneider is a graduate of Texas A&M University and completed the 138th session of the FBI National Academy. Throughout his career, he held several leadership positions and served as University Police Chief from 2004 to 2013.
Michael Ragan ’82, 2013–2020
Ragan, originally from Richmond and raised in Houston, began studying economics at Texas A&M in 1978. His initial interest in dentistry changed when, encouraged by his best friend—a sheriff's deputy—and influenced by family, he discovered a passion for law enforcement. He built on this by first serving as a reserve deputy, then joining the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) as a student. Upon graduation, he rose steadily through the ranks, ultimately becoming chief of police in 2013. Throughout his lengthy career, honors such as several years as Outstanding Crime Prevention Manager and the Bill G. Daniels Outstanding Administrator Award have recognized his contributions.