Skip to Top NavigationSkip to ContentSkip to Footer
Ferris State University BulldogFerris State University Logo

Alumna Yunker Appointed IPFW's First Woman Chief of Police

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Ferris State University alumna Julie Yunker has been appointed as chief of police at Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne. She is the first woman to hold the position in IPFW’s history.

Yunker, who holds two degrees from Ferris, joins IPFW after five years as director of criminal justice training for Grand Valley State University. She has nearly 20 years of experience in front-line law enforcement and criminal justice instruction.

“Julie’s experience in the higher education world makes her the perfect choice as our new chief of police,” said Stan Davis, interim vice chancellor for financial affairs. “The combination of her work on a university police force and her classroom time as a criminal justice instructor gives her a special appreciation for our students’ needs and concerns.”

Yunker brings a broad range of law enforcement and criminal justice teaching experience to her new position. In her 14 years with Kalamazoo Public Safety, her assignments ranged from narcotics investigation and hostage negotiation to uniformed operations and youth anti-violence programs. She received the Chief’s Award of Excellence three times. Yunker also taught at the Kalamazoo Law Enforcement Training Center, Ferris and GVSU. She is a veteran of the United States Air Force and also served in the United States Air National Guard.

“I am very excited to join IPFW and the surrounding community. The opportunities to meet and talk to so many groups during the selection process gave me a great sense of the friendly and professional atmosphere at IPFW,” Yunker said. “I am especially excited to get to know and work with the officers of the Police Department. They showed enthusiasm, commitment to the safety of students, faculty, and staff, and a genuine desire work together in their service to IPFW. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to bring my experience in law enforcement and experience in a university setting to the campus.”

Yunker holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, both from Ferris.

She started her new duties in June.