Colorado State University Police Chief Resigns After 17 Years of Service

After 17 years of service, Colorado State University Police Chief Donn Hopkins announced his resignation effective Feb. 14. Hopkins, only the second chief of police in department history, will pursue a new career at Agilent Technologies as security manager in the global infrastructure organization.

Hopkins led the department through challenging times of growing enrollment, campus expansion and dramatically increased attendance at athletic and special events.

"The university community will greatly miss Donn’s steadfast leadership, professionalism and compassion," said Gerry Bomotti, vice president for administrative services at Colorado State. "He led with energy, insight and integrity and he leaves a substantial legacy for the department. We thank him for his dedication and wish him the very best as he pursues his new and challenging career."

During his tenure, Hopkins achieved professional recognition and community accolades including the Conrad Ball Award, 1979; the Certificate of Merit for Human Relations from the city of Fort Collins, 1990; the Oliver Pennock Award, 1992; and the Leadership and Commitment to Law Enforcement Award from the Fort Collins Police Department, 2002. Hopkins is a 1990 Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy graduate and also served as president of the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police from 1999-2000.

In addition to the day-to-day rigors of managing a modern law enforcement agency, Hopkins’ ongoing commitment to the community is reflected by his service on numerous community boards and organizations including Santa Cops, Diversity Awareness on Campus, Crossroad Safehouse board member, University Safety Committee, Colorado State University Activities co-chair, Fort Collins Foundation, Team Fort Collins board member and Emergency Management Team coordinator for Colorado State University.

In 1998, Hopkins was the guiding force in helping the Colorado State University Police Department receive accreditation from Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police.

Leaders across the Fort Collins community and the state of Colorado have recognized Hopkins for his leadership in public safety and human compassion. Hopkins also has received letters of appreciation from individuals in countries as far reaching as China, Mexico and the United Kingdom.

A search for a new police chief has begun.