New NIU Police Chief Jason John, '03: Leads With Collaboration and Huskie Pride
By Lia Kizilbash Gillet
Jason John, '03, is NIU's newest chief of police, beginning December 1, 2025. (Photo credit: Jason John)
Collaboration is at the core of Jason John's leadership approach as NIU's new police chief.
A proud Huskie alumnus with a bachelor's degree in management, John brings more than two decades of experience within NIU's Department of Police and Public Safety to his new role.
Joining NIU PD in 2004, John was promoted to commander in 2012 and achieved the rank of deputy chief in 2017 before stepping into the role of interim chief in February 2025. After an intensive national search, John was selected as the permanent chief.
He described what serving as NIU’s chief of police means to him.
“Serving as NIU’s chief of police means fostering a campus environment where students, faculty and staff feel safe and supported as they work toward their goals,” John said. “Personally, it means being someone our campus community can rely on — whether they need support, guidance or simply a listening ear. It’s a role that requires empathy, transparency and a commitment to the well-being of every Huskie.”
Fueled by proactive engagement and resilient leadership, John is committed to ensuring that students, employees and visitors experience NIU as a safe and welcoming place to learn, connect and thrive. His top priorities for ensuring campus safety center around prevention, strong relationships and preparedness.
“First, I want to strengthen community engagement — building trust with students, staff and faculty so they feel comfortable reporting concerns early,” he said. “Second, I will prioritize proactive policing strategies, including visibility, regular patrols and problem-solving partnerships to identify risks before they become incidents. Third, improving training and readiness for critical incidents is essential, ensuring our campus community is well-prepared for emergencies, de-escalation, mental-health response and collaborative decision-making. Lastly, I want to enhance communication across campus, making sure safety information and resources are easy to access and understand.”
He explained how collaboration will support these priorities and shape the department’s future.
“I see our department partnering with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community by being a visible, approachable and collaborative resource,” John said. “For students, that means engaging through outreach programs, attending campus events and creating open lines of communication so they feel comfortable sharing concerns. For faculty and staff, it involves training opportunities and building relationships that support classroom and office safety. With alumni, we can work together on events and initiatives that strengthen school pride and long-term support for campus safety. And in the broader community, partnerships with local law enforcement, businesses and community organizations help ensure consistent, coordinated safety efforts. Ultimately, our goal is to create a strong network of trust, communication and shared responsibility that makes NIU a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”
Reflecting on his journey, John shared what inspired his career choice.
“I chose to pursue a career in law enforcement because I’ve always felt a strong commitment to serving and protecting the community that supported me throughout my college years,” he said. “As an NIU student, I saw firsthand how the NIU PD embodied true community policing, and it inspired me to be part of that work. I’m motivated by the chance to help people through difficult moments and to support them as they work toward graduation.”
He credits his NIU education as a foundation for his leadership success.
“My NIU education prepared me for this role by giving me both the academic foundation and the practical perspective needed for effective leadership in law enforcement,” Johns said. “NIU challenged me to think critically, communicate clearly and understand complex social issues — skills that directly translate into leading a modern police department.”
Beyond his decades of experience, John has built an impressive record of professional development and recognition. He earned the Chief's Award in 2023 and has completed numerous leadership programs over the years. His training includes the FBI National Academy in 2022, Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command in 2008, and the Illinois Basic Law Enforcement Academy at the College of DuPage in 2004. He serves as acting treasurer for the DeKalb County Law Enforcement Executives Association, sits on the Northern Illinois Training Advisory Board Executive Committee, chairs NIU's campus Violence Prevention Committee, and is vice president of St. Peter's Syriac Orthodox Church.
Looking ahead, John’s vision for campus safety is community-centered, where every NIU community member feels connected, valued and involved.
“I want safety to be a true partnership — built on trust, open communication, and shared responsibility,” he said. “I also want to create more opportunities for outreach, education, and collaboration so that safety becomes part of everyday life, not just something people think about during emergencies. By fostering a culture of connection and mutual respect, we can ensure NIU remains a welcoming and safe place for everyone to learn, work and grow.”