Joseph Milek, chief of police operations for University Police and Public Safety, will retire on June 30 following a 30-year career in law enforcement.

Milek joined Penn State in 2019 after serving as assistant chief of police at Oklahoma State. Milek oversaw operations at 22 Penn State campuses.

Previously, Milek served as director of public safety and police chief at Xavier University in Ohio. He also served in the Cincinnati Police Department for more than 20 years. Milek has a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Xavier University and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati.

“Although I am happy for Chief Milek for reaching this well-deserved milestone and accomplishment, he will be sorely missed,” said associate vice president for University Police and Public Safety Charlie Noffsinger.

Noffsinger added that Milek helped lead efforts for centralizing the department’s criminal investigation unit, purchasing body cameras, and adapting to COVID-19 and its regulations. Milek also served on the President’s Task Force on Policing and Communities of Color.

“I have been honored to lead in a department dedicated to serving and protecting the Penn State community with respect, professionalism, and accountability,” Milek said. “I know UPPS will continue to be a leader in innovative campus policing and public safety practices.”

Penn State will launch a national search for a new police chief for the third time in five years.

“Chief Milek’s leadership has positively influenced the department and his contributions will have a lasting impact. I know our search will lead us to an excellent candidate who will continue Hoe’s forward momentum,” said Sara Thorndike, Penn State senior vice president for Finance and Business.