Dawn Daniels was appointed as Washington State University’s police chief in August 2025. Daniels (’97 Soc. Stu.) shares her journey from WSU student to leading the university’s police department.
Over the years, she has served in various WSU roles including community policing officer, sergeant, and firearms instructor. With nearly three decades of service, she reflects on her career, her new role as police chief, the evolving role of campus policing, and her commitment to student success and community collaboration.
“I’ve always viewed policing as teaching—just in a different way,” Daniels says.
She talks with Washington State Magazine editor Larry Clark about her unexpected path into law enforcement, the importance of community policing and student engagement, and memorable moments in her career.