New Police Chief Named

Wittenberg is pleased to announce that Lieutenant Lee McCartney, director of campus safety, has been promoted to the University's Chief of Police, effective today, January 30, 2026.

McCartney has been a dedicated member of Wittenberg's Police Division since June 30, 2014. Promoted to sergeant in August 2014 and then to lieutenant in February 2017, McCartney assumed the role of campus safety director in October 2024.

In his current capacity at the University, McCartney oversees patrol operations, emergency response planning, CLERY compliance, and community engagement initiatives, and he has played a key role in advancing the department's efforts in emergency management training, student engagement, and safety outreach.

"Lee has been serving with professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well being of our campus community," said Mary Beth Walter, chief human resources officer and associate vice president for administration. "Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach to the safety and security of our campus community."

Prior to coming to Wittenberg, McCartney served as a sergeant and deputy sheriff with Wood County Sheriff's Office for almost nine years, and as a detective and deputy sheriff with Miami County Sheriff's Office, retiring in 2014 after 15 years of service. He has also been a police academy instructor for Edison State Community College since 2004 and will continue to serve as a training instructor for the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy in London, Ohio, a role he took on in 2011.

An active member of the community, including serving on Wittenberg's Emergency Management planning team, Clark County's Rescue Task Force (RTF), and Clark County's Communication team, he also earned the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) Campus Impact Award in 2025.

As director and chief of police, McCartney will lead the division with the ongoing development of officers and oversight of dispatch, as well as the management of daily shift operations and motor pool functions, all while supporting the University's mission to foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

"He will continue to strengthen partnerships across campus, expand community based policing efforts, and guide strategic initiatives that enhance preparedness and campus safety," Walter added. "Effective immediately, he will be reporting directly to our new Vice President for Finance and Administration Michael DeWees. "This is a well deserved promotion, and we look forward to his continued leadership and service to our University community."