Leeker will use NSF grant to promote participation of Black families in STEM

Diana Cooley has been named the new Chief of Police for UCCS. Her first day on campus will be October 1, 2024.

Diana comes to UCCS from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Police Department, where she served as Commander of Patrol Operations. She brings over 17 years of law enforcement experience to the role, with expertise in the areas of program management, crisis management, staff training and development, community engagement and strategic planning.

“I am thrilled to welcome Diana to campus,” said Kathy Kaoudis, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance. “She is committed to driving innovation in public safety, enhancing crisis preparedness, and fostering proactive and transparent community engagement – Diana is a fantastic addition to the UCCS family, and I am looking forward to seeing what she accomplishes here.”

A bilingual professional fluent in Spanish, Diana also excels in connecting with community members, ensuring that law enforcement services are welcoming, accessible, transparent and responsive to the needs of the populations she is serving.

“I’m excited about this opportunity and looking forward to being a part of the UCCS community,” Diana said. “It is my commitment to campus that transparent leadership and cutting-edge policing practices will define my approach in this role.”

Prior to her position at Anschutz, Diana spent 16 years with the Aurora Police Department, where she served in leadership positions in several specialized units and gained experience in multiple facets of policing. Diana also worked as Deputy Commander of the Internal Affairs Bureau, leading investigations into police conduct and ensuring that all complaints against department members were thoroughly and impartially reviewed. She also served as a Public Information Officer, where she acted as the official spokesperson for the Aurora Police Department.

Diana holds a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Central Christian College of Kansas. She has also completed several leadership programs, including the Senior Management Institute for Police through the Executive Research Forum and the Executive Leadership Institute through the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association.

Diana serves on the Executive Council for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Colorado and also holds the role of Logistics Chief with the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation.