Longtime WVU Police officer reflects on more than 3 decades of service

With more than three decades of policing under his belt, WVU Police Maj. Brian Hoxter is hanging up his uniform, and leaving behind a strong legacy and a family atmosphere he said he is grateful to have been a part of for so long. (WVU Photo/Jennifer Shephard)

Download full-size

After 36 years of dedication, West Virginia UniversityPoliceMaj. Brian Hoxter is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of service, guidance and compassion.

Originally from West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Hoxter moved to Morgantown when he was 14, where he watched his father, Lt. Henry "Hank" Stansbury Hoxter, serve with WVU Police.

He was determined to follow in his father's footsteps. After graduating from University High School, he took a custodial job with WVU before being selected to join the force in 1989.

Hoxter joined the WVU Police Department and rose through the ranks to become second-in-command at the time of his retirement. (WVU Photo/Jennifer Shephard)

Download full-size

"I had met some of the guys while my father worked here, and I just thought it was kind of a family atmosphere," Hoxter said. "When I got on here, I really wanted to see if I could make a positive impact."

Hoxter was thrilled to be starting his dream career and even named his then newborn daughter Miranda, after the Miranda rights.

Hoxter learned the ropes patrolling University residence halls and soon developed a passion for training. Throughout his career, Hoxter taught officers within UPD and throughout the region not only how to defend themselves and take down suspects, but also how to interact with the diverse communities they serve.

"We deal with so many different people and cultures," Hoxter said. "A lot of people have had bad experiences with police officers, so we're trying to change that concept."

Hoxter said one of the things he'll miss the most following his retirement is his 'working family' at the station. (WVU Photo/Jennifer Shephard)

Download full-size

Hoxter's training programs focused on acting quickly and responsibly when responding to intense situations.

"When I train officers, safety is my top priority," Hoxter said. "I want to make sure other officers are safe. But aside from that, I want to make sure that they're just treating people accordingly. I tell them, 'If you go out there and you use too much force, then I'll be the first one to testify against you, because I'm the one who taught you otherwise.' We haven't had any use of force complaints on us in my career, and I think that says a lot for our department."

To help trainees remember to see the humanity in everyone, Hoxter passed along sayings.

"Number one is 'When you're dealing with someone, act like your grandma is in the back seat of your cruiser, and if she's smiling, you did a good job,'" said Hoxter. "The other saying is: 'As a police officer, sometimes we need to listen before we act on what's going on, because most people are having a bad day when they deal with us. As a police officer, you can give someone the last word because you have the last act as an officer.'"

Hoxter dedicated time away from the station to community building, whether teaching, coaching sports teams, hosting "Jeopardy" games or chatting with students at "Coffee with a Cop" events.

He emphasized that the actions officers take both on and off shift are essential to earning and keeping the public's trust.

"We're more community oriented than most agencies," Hoxter said. "We are always doing programs with students and want to be a positive influence on them. We want the older adults we interact with to know we're there for them. That relationship is important."

WVU Police Maj. Brian Hoxter plans to spend time traveling and volunteering after his retirement. (WVU Photo/Jennifer Shephard)

Download full-size

Though a last resort, UPD officers need to be ready to perform physical acts to protect the community and themselves. Hoxter is passionate about physical fitness and advocated for an in-house gym to be placed in the new WVU Police headquarters, where the department moved in August 2025.

"As officers, we get older, but the students we serve don't," Hoxter said. "Another gym donated our fitness equipment, and we have about 20 people that practically live in there. I've taught self-defense classes, which has helped me stay fit. I like seeing the look on my students' faces when they realize what they're capable of doing."

Hoxter's enthusiasm for fitness did not go unnoticed by his fellow officers when renovating UPD's new location at the Chestnut Ridge Building. They named the gym "Hoxter's House," and when you enter the facility, you see one of Hoxter's famous sayings: "How does this affect you?"

"I actually teared up when I saw that," Hoxter said. "It was quite a surprise, and it meant a lot to me."

The WVU Police Department gym was named in honor of Maj. Brian Hoxter who emphasized fitness and training as he helped countless new officers reach their potential over the years. (WVU Photo/Jennifer Shephard)

Download full-size

From rookie to second-in-command at WVU Police, Hoxter has grown as an officer and helped new officers reach their potentials in an environment that's felt like home.

"I'm blessed to have my working family, and that's really what I'm going to miss the most. Most of my friends are here and we're just one big family. When I bought my house years ago, I had 17 officers help me move in, so that's what type of department this is. It makes me sad to leave such a great place."

After putting away the uniform, Hoxter said he hopes to travel and continue to find ways to help others through volunteering. He's also been asked by his UPD family to occasionally help with future training efforts.

"We'll see what the next chapter holds," Hoxter said. "It's been a pleasure working for the University. I've dedicated my life to this place, and it's been well worth it."

Find more information about UPD.

-WVU-