University Names Kieran Barrett Chief of Police

Montclair State University announced today that Kieran Barrett has been named Associate Vice President and Chief of the University’s police department.

Barrett has been a valuable part of the Montclair campus community for 25 years and has served as interim chief since the retirement of Chief Paul Cell last year. In this role, he will continue to lead MSUPD now and into the future.

Barrett joined the University as a dispatcher in 1998 and quickly rose through the ranks of Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Deputy Chief. He has managed a wide variety of functions within the agency, while also serving as an adjunct instructor in Child Advocacy and continuing his own studies at Montclair, most recently with a graduate certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling.

“Throughout his career and, in particular, during his tenure as interim chief, he has shown a dedication and love for the University that permeates the department,” says Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. “Chief Barrett embraces the distinctive mission and approach that differentiates campus policing from community law enforcement. Our officers are dedicated not just to safety and compliance, but they embrace their role in the development of our students and the need to create a campus culture that is inclusive and welcoming. I have no doubt that Chief Barrett will lead with their orientation and work tirelessly to create and maintain a department that epitomizes this approach. “

Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dawn Meza Soufleris says that it was important to have a person in this role who has been a member of the department for many years, especially someone with such impressive accolades as Barrett.

“With his direct approach, his focus on students, and never-ending support for his UPD team, Chief Barrett has set the bar high in terms of community focus, health, safety and support to the campus and has embraced his role as a servant leader,” says Soufleris. “I could not be happier than to have Chief Barrett as a permanent member of the SDCL leadership team.”

Barrett says he is equally excited to officially take on the role as Chief of Police. “I am honored to be able to continue to serve this department and the University community,” Barrett says. “I appreciate the confidence that the University’s leadership has shown in me, and I look forward to working closely with the entire team in UPD to provide our community with outstanding service.”

A formal swearing-in ceremony for Barrett will take place later this semester.

For more information on University Police at Montclair State University, visit montclair.edu/university-police/.