University of Texas Permian Basin Will Appoint New Chief
James Mull will begin his new role as the University of Texas Permian Basin police chief on October 5, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People
The University of Texas Permian Basin has announced the appointment of James Mull as its new chief of police. Mull will officially assume his responsibilities at the Odessa institution on October 5, 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment brings three decades of law enforcement experience to the campus security department. Mull transitions to this academic role following his most recent position within the corporate security sector.
James Mull brings 30 years of total law enforcement experience to his new role. He holds an Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement from South Plains College and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
The players
James Mull
He is an experienced law enforcement veteran who formerly served as a Major in the Texas Department of Public Safety.
University of Texas Permian Basin
This public university located in Odessa serves the Permian Basin region with a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Diamondback Energy
This independent oil and gas company is headquartered in Midland and focuses on energy exploration and production.
Texas Department of Public Safety
This state-level agency is responsible for statewide law enforcement, counterterrorism, and intelligence operations.
The details
Mull enters this university leadership role after serving as a Corporate Security Coordinator at Diamondback Energy since 2024. Prior to that corporate tenure, he spent 29 years with the Texas Department of Public Safety, where he reached the rank of Major in the Criminal Investigations Division.
Timeline
James Mull began his law enforcement career in 1992.
Mull started his tenure at Diamondback Energy in 2024.
Mull will begin his role as UTPB police chief on October 5, 2026.
Market Landscape
The hiring of a former state law enforcement Major follows a pattern of academic institutions seeking experienced leadership to manage complex campus security environments. This transition reflects a broader trend of universities recruiting from the highest levels of government and corporate security to bolster their institutional protection strategies.
Students and faculty at the University of Texas Permian Basin can expect a change in leadership oversight regarding campus safety and emergency operations. The appointment may influence future security policies and public safety interactions on campus starting this October.
The takeaway
Selecting a long-term veteran of state law enforcement suggests a focus on institutional stability and established investigative protocols. The move highlights how academic institutions are prioritizing professional expertise to navigate evolving security demands.
Further reading
For more information on staffing updates and leadership changes in the region, visit People.
