Chief of Police & Executive Director of Public Safety

Mike Yankowski currently serves as the Chief of Police and Executive Director of Public Safety at Michigan State University (MSU). He joined MSU in October 2019 as the Institutional Ethics and Compliance Assistant Director for the Office of Audit, Risk and Compliance.  While at MSU, Mike established the first-ever University Policy Management Program and University Policies website, along with the Records Management and Retention Program.

Before his tenure at MSU, Mike enjoyed a distinguished 25-year career with the Lansing Police Department (LPD) with the last seven (7) as the Chief of Police. During his tenure as the Police Chief, he was instrumental in implementing initiatives such as Advocates and Leaders for Police and Community Trust (ALPACT), the Lansing Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.), and the LPD Body Worn Camera Program. In 2010/2011, Mike was named the City of Lansing Employee of the Year.

A graduate of Ferris State University with a degree in criminal justice, Mike also completed the Michigan State University School of Staff and Command, where he was unanimously elected Class President. He is a member of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and the International Chiefs of Police (IACP).

Deputy Chief, Staff Services Bureau

Chris Rozman currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Police with the Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) and has served with the department since 2001. He also served as Chief of Police from March 2023 through November 2024 during a period of significant organizational change and restructuring. Throughout his career, Chris has served in a variety of leadership and operational assignments, including patrol officer, Field Training Officer (FTO), K-9 handler, task force detective, detective sergeant, patrol sergeant, patrol lieutenant, Investigative Division Captain, Public Information Officer, and Interim Deputy Chief.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Culture, Change, and Leadership from Cleary University.  He is also a graduate of the 17th class of the Michigan State University School of Staff and Command. 

Chris currently serves on the Board of Directors for Face Addiction Now, representing the Ingham County-Okemos chapter, and is the immediate past president of the Michigan Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. 

Deputy Chief, Field Services Bureau

Akin Bryant currently serves as Deputy Chief of Police with the Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS). He joined MSU in 2022 as a Police Inspector and was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police in 2023. Akin holds certifications as a Professional Emergency Manager, Certified Sports Security Professional, Infrastructure Protection Specialist, and Counter Terrorism Practitioner. Akin currently represents MSU on the Ingham Regional Special Response Team (IRSRT) Board.

Akin began his law enforcement career at the University of Michigan (UM) Division of Public Safety and Security where he was employed for over 20 years. He led the Protective Security Division, which was responsible for security operations of all events across campus, dignitary protection, and strategic intelligence. He was also a founding member of several special initiatives at UM including the Police Motorcycle Unit, Drone Team, Special Problems Team, Dignitary Protection Team, and Quick Action Deployment Tactical Team. 

Akin earned a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from Siena Heights University in public safety studies and a Master of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University in interdisciplinary technology studies focusing on Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation- National Academy Session #273 and Class #31 of Eastern Michigan University School of Police Staff & Command Executive Leadership Program. 

Director of Public Safety Bureau

John Prush serves in the role of Director of the DPPS Public Safety Bureau. John began his career at DPPS in 1993 as a student employee in the special events unit. After serving as a student supervisor, he was hired full time into the department's technical services unit. A graduate of Michigan State University, he holds a Humanities/Pre-Law bachelor's degree from the College of Arts and Letters as well as a B.A. in Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media from the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. John represents Michigan State University on the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) Board of Directors.

The Public Safety Operations Bureau of the Department of Police and Public Safety encompasses Parking and Mobility Services, Security Services, and the department's Information Technology Unit. The parking system on the East Lansing campus is comprised of over 30,000 parking spaces and a variety of partnerships with mobility providers. Security services include staffing for events and venues while also managing physical security systems that provide intrusion detection and access controls for campus buildings. The DPPS IT unit is highly specialized to maintain compliance with state and federal criminal justice information system policies and standards.