Wesley Sheets has been named Penn State’s permanent chief of police and public safety, effective April 17, the university announced Thursday. He had served in the role on an interim basis since January 1.

Sheets’ entrance into the interim role came after Penn State University Police and Public Safety (UPPS) Associate Vice President Charlie Noffsinger announced his retirement last December.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead a department committed to serving our Penn State and surrounding communities with respect, professionalism and accountability,” Sheets said. “I am truly fortunate to serve alongside an extraordinary leadership team as well as an exceptional group of staff within UPPS. Working together in partnership with our communities, we will continue to foster a culture focused on engagement, transparency and trust as we continue to build on our tradition of excellence.”

Sheets’ career in law enforcement began in 2006, and he joined Penn State in 2013 as a police lieutenant and station commander. In 2018, he was promoted to chief of police for the southwest district before being appointed executive deputy chief of operations in 2021.

As the chief of police and public safety, Sheets oversees all department divisions, including university police, behavioral threat management, emergency management, public information, Clery Act compliance, physical security, and police records. Additionally, he oversees the diversity, equity and inclusion division.

“In the few months since Wes has taken on the interim chief of police and public safety role within UPPS, he has shown exemplary leadership, innovation and commitment to the department and its employees,” Sara Thorndike, senior vice president for Finance and Business, said.

The university also announced that UPPS Executive Deputy Chief Stephanie Delaney will now permanently oversee UPPS operations. With Delaney’s expanded role, Noffsinger’s previous position of associate vice president won’t be filled.