By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
A shift in leadership took place within the university Police Department as former Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety Makiem Miller steps down and passes the torch to veteran law enforcement officer Deputy Chief Ken Rahn.
The change was first shared with the university community in a Feb. 27 email from Lillian Wanjagi, the vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer, who announced that Miller would be retiring from his position after serving since June 7, 2024.
“Chief Makiem Miller has notified us of his decision to step down as Southern’s Chief of Police, effective March 5, 2026,” Wanjagi said. “We are deeply grateful for Chief Miller’s dedicated service and contributions to our community and wish him every success in his next chapter.”
In preparation for the leadership transition, Wanjagi said she spent several weeks meeting with the police department and other members of the campus community. These conversations were intended to gather feedback about the department’s current operations and priorities while helping to guide the university’s next steps. This included the department continuing to maintain the high quality of public safety operations.
“These discussions have offered meaningful perspectives on current practices, emerging priorities and the areas vital to the department’s ongoing success,” Wanjagi said.
Following those discussions, the university selected Rahn to become the university’s next chief of police. Wanjagi said the choice was made with the goal of maintaining stability and continuity within the department.
“Based on these conversations, and with an emphasis on consistency and long-term stability, I am pleased to share that Deputy Chief Ken Rahn has agreed to serve as the university’s next chief of police,” Wanjagi said.
According to Wanjagi, Rahn brings more than three decades of experience in law enforcement to the position. Rahn is also a familiar face within the campus community, as he previously served as the university’s interim chief from 2022-2024.
“Before joining the university Police Department, he spent 25 years with the Milford Police Department, serving as a patrol officer, K‑9 handler, detective and administrative supervisor,” Wanjagi said.
Over the years, Rahn gained experience across multiple areas of law enforcement and rose through the ranks.
“A graduate of the 274th FBI National Academy, he concluded his tenure in Milford as deputy chief, where he served as second‑in‑command for his final five years,” Wanjagi said.
Since Rahn’s arrival at the university in 2019, he has managed several important operational responsibilities with effective leadership and built strong working relationships across campus.
“His broad experience, strong understanding of campus needs and trusted partnerships across the university and with regional public safety agencies position him exceptionally well for this new responsibility,” Wanjagi said.
As Miller officially retired on Thursday, March 5, Rahn picked up the torch and began leading the department’s efforts to maintain safety across campus. Wanjagi and other leaders are excited to welcome Rahn back to the university community, as he will serve as the fifth chief of police and director of public safety.
“Please join me in congratulating him as he steps into this important role and in extending our best wishes to Chief Miller in his retirement,” Wanjagi said
