February 27, 2026
Dear Southern Community,
I am writing to share an upcoming leadership change within the University Police Department.
Chief Makiem Miller has notified us of his decision to step down as Southern’s Chief of Police, effective March 5, 2026. We are deeply grateful for Chief Miller’s dedicated service and contributions to our community, and wish him every success in his next chapter!
To support a seamless transition and maintain the high quality of our public safety operations, I have spent the past several weeks meeting with department personnel and key campus stakeholders. These discussions have offered meaningful perspectives on current practices, emerging priorities, and the areas vital to the department’s ongoing success.
Based on these conversations, and with an emphasis on consistency and long‑term stability, I am pleased to share that Deputy Chief Ken Rahn has agreed to serve as the university’s next chief of police.
Deputy Chief Rahn brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience to this role, including his service as Southern’s interim chief from 2022 to 2024. Before joining the University Police Department, he spent 25 years with the Milford Police Department, serving as a patrol officer, K‑9 handler, detective, and administrative supervisor. A graduate of the 274th FBI National Academy, he concluded his tenure in Milford as Deputy Chief, where he served as second‑in‑command for his final five years.
Since arriving at Southern in 2019, Deputy Chief Rahn has overseen several essential operational functions and demonstrated steady, effective leadership. His broad experience, strong understanding of campus needs, and trusted partnerships across the university and with regional public safety agencies position him exceptionally well for this new responsibility.
Please join me in congratulating him as he steps into this important role, and in extending our best wishes to Chief Miller in his retirement.
Sincerely,
Lillian Wanjagi
Vice President Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer