Katryne Potts hired as WWU's new chief of police

After a national search, WWU Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Joyce Lopes has announced that Katryne Potts will be Western’s new chief of police. 

Potts joins Western from Augusta University where she has served since 2019 after prior service in her hometown, the Elgin Police Department (Illinois). Katy brings 22 years of law-enforcement experience leading her departments in best practices for community partnership. She has a master's degree in Criminology and has served on numerous committees and boards including the Augusta Technical College Police Academy Board, Renz Addiction Counseling Center of Elgin Board, and the Elgin Sports Hall of Fame Board.  

“I am honored and excited to lead the Western Washington University Police Department.  I was so impressed with the staff I met during my interview and look forward to working with everyone," Potts said.

Lopes said she was delighted to have Potts joining the campus community in such an important position.

"We are excited to have Katy on the team.  During her interview, she connected so warmly with students, staff, and faculty and made a tremendous impression on everyone she met with her genuine care and engagement," she said.

Potts will be joined by her husband Waylon Potts, who is also in law enforcement and will be seeking employment through local agencies.   Her first day as chief will be January 1, 2023, pending the required law enforcement background check.