Chief Jim Yon is the associate vice president for public safety and chief of police at Oregon State University (OSU). His journey to this role has deep roots in his personal and professional life.
Jim’s connection to OSU began long before he took on his current role. After a long career with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, he learned about an opening at OSU. His experience and personal ties made it an appealing opportunity. Growing up in Albany and having family members, including his daughter, who attended OSU created a sense of belonging for him. Taking this job feels like a continuation of his family legacy.
His path to law enforcement started in high school, influenced by his then-girlfriend Angie, who had family in the field. This interest led him to study criminal justice at Western Oregon State College and volunteer as a police officer. Jim enjoyed helping others, which became a driving force in his career. He worked with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office for over 28 years before transitioning to OSU.
Education is a passion for Jim. With teaching runs in his family—his wife and parents are educators—he believes in the importance of community in fostering growth. He sees college as a critical time for students to discover their identities and values. In his role, he feels privileged to contribute to that process.
Providing law enforcement on a campus like OSU presents unique challenges. The university environment is constantly changing, with many new students arriving each year. This means officers must continually teach and guide different groups of people, unlike typical communities where many residents stay longer. Jim emphasizes that campus officers wear many hats: they are educators, mediators, and emergency responders.
If he could speak to his younger self, Jim would advise taking life one step at a time. The stress of today will fade, and problem-solving skills will serve you well throughout life. He encourages students to enjoy their journey and seek help when needed.
One of Jim’s favorite aspects of his job is the camaraderie with his teams. Arriving at the office early allows him to connect with the night and day shift officers, who share a genuine eagerness to help students. Their commitment aligns with the mission of the department: to ensure safety and accountability through service.
Communication is key, especially during emergencies. The department collaborates closely with OSU Assist to make sure students receive appropriate support. For instance, when a student was recently injured, both the patrol team and OSU Assist reached out to the student and their family, demonstrating their student-first philosophy.
Reflecting on his college experience, Jim fondly remembers his geology class, which almost became his major. This love for learning continues to influence his leadership style.
Looking ahead, Jim aims to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement, the student body, and the wider Corvallis community. His goal is to make sure students see DPS as a reliable resource.
Outside of work, Jim enjoys fly-fishing, though he admits he’s still learning. It’s a peaceful way for him to unwind and connect with nature.
With a rapidly changing environment and new challenges, Jim Yon’s leadership at OSU embodies a commitment to student safety and community, emphasizing a proactive approach to campus law enforcement. His blend of personal connection and professional dedication makes a significant impact at Oregon State University.
