Utah Valley University Names First Chief Safety Officer
The university appoints retired UHP Colonel Michael Rapich to oversee campus security following an independent review.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
Utah Valley University has appointed Michael Rapich as its inaugural chief safety officer to bolster campus security measures. The move follows an external After-Action Report that identified specific gaps in safety policy implementation during high-profile events.
Why it matters
This leadership appointment aims to address security failures highlighted after the 2025 assassination of Charlie Kirk on campus. It signals a shift toward standardized safety protocols across the institution.
Michael Rapich brings over three decades of law enforcement experience to the role. His appointment follows the publication of a 158-page university After-Action Report and a separate 44-page campus safety report from the Utah Board of Higher Education.
The players
Michael Rapich
He is a retired Utah Highway Patrol colonel and U.S. Coast Guard veteran who now serves as the first chief safety officer at Utah Valley University.
Utah Valley University
This is a public university located in Orem, Utah, that is currently overhauling its security protocols following an internal safety review.
Charlie Kirk
He was an activist who was assassinated during an outdoor event held at the Utah Valley University campus in 2025.
Utah Board of Higher Education
This state governing body oversees public colleges in Utah and recently issued a comprehensive report regarding campus safety standards.
The details
Rapich, a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and a retired Utah Highway Patrol colonel, will focus on implementing the recommendations from the university’s internal review. The university established the position to rectify security oversight failures that occurred during an outdoor event in 2025.
Timeline
1992: Michael Rapich began his career as a Utah Highway Patrol trooper.
September 10, 2025: Charlie Kirk was assassinated at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University.
October 2026: The Utah Board of Higher Education issued a campus safety report.
October 26, 2026: Michael Rapich was hired as the university's chief safety officer.
Market Landscape
This appointment aligns with the systemic security upgrades mandated by the Utah Board of Higher Education's 2026 campus safety report. It reflects a growing industry trend among major educational institutions to professionalize security operations in response to high-profile incidents.
Students and faculty can expect enhanced security measures and stricter safety protocols during future high-profile campus events. These changes aim to improve physical safety across university facilities in Orem.
The takeaway
Universities are increasingly appointing specialized safety officers to manage the complex security risks associated with large public gatherings. This shift highlights a departure from traditional campus security models toward centralized, professionalized incident management.
What happens next
The Utah System of Higher Education intends to request funding from the Utah Legislature to establish a systemwide campus safety coordinator position.
Further reading
For more information on university leadership updates, visit the People section.
