June 24, 2025

Daniel Lindstrom Appointed as GVSU’s New Police Chief

News Summary

Grand Valley State University has appointed Daniel Lindstrom as the new director of public safety and police chief. With over 20 years of law enforcement experience, including a significant tenure with the FBI, Lindstrom is set to enhance safety operations across GVSU campuses. He succeeds Brandon DeHaan and is poised to prioritize the safety and well-being of the university community, aiming to strengthen the campus security amid increasing safety concerns in higher education.

Allendale, Michigan – Grand Valley State University (GVSU) has officially announced the appointment of Daniel Lindstrom as the new director of public safety and police chief. The announcement was made by university officials on June 23, 2025, with Lindstrom set to begin his new role in August 2025. He will be responsible for overseeing safety operations and planning at GVSU’s main campus in Allendale as well as at its Grand Rapids campus and regional campuses throughout Michigan.

Daniel Lindstrom brings with him over two decades of law enforcement experience, having worked extensively with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). His most recent position was assistant special agent in charge in Los Angeles, where he gained significant expertise in handling complex investigations, crisis management, and compliance oversight. Earlier in his career at the FBI, he served as a campus security program manager, focusing on developing national regulatory compliance measures specifically tailored for campus safety.

During his tenure with the FBI, Lindstrom led efforts to mitigate threats for approximately 3,000 higher education institutions across the United States. He also created specialized protocols and training programs designed specifically for academic environments aimed at enhancing the safety and security of campuses nationwide. His extensive background and thoughtful approach to safety and security during the interview process received praise from GVSU Vice President for Finance and Administration Greg Sanial.

As he steps into this pivotal role, Lindstrom expresses a deep sense of honor and excitement about his new position at GVSU. His commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of the GVSU community is clearly established as a key focus in his upcoming tenure.

Lindstrom will be stepping into the role of chief of police at GVSU as the seventh individual to hold this position in the department’s 56-year history. He succeeds Brandon DeHaan, who stepped down earlier in 2025 after decades of dedicated service to the university.

In addition to his extensive hands-on experience in law enforcement, Lindstrom holds a law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School and an Education Doctorate from Virginia Commonwealth University. His educational background complements his practical experience, equipping him with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of public safety in a university setting.

The appointment comes at a time when universities across the nation are putting an increased emphasis on safety and security within their campuses. Lindstrom’s expertise will be critical as GVSU continues to prioritize a safe learning environment for its students and faculty amidst a growing landscape of safety concerns in higher education.

As GVSU prepares for Lindstrom’s arrival, the community is hopeful that his leadership will bring positive developments to the university’s public safety and police efforts. The focus remains clear: ensuring that GVSU is a safe and secure environment dedicated to education and student life.