Major Cathy Ryan was named interim police chief for the university Thursday afternoon, replacing Chief Marlon Lynch.
"Major Ryan comes to this role with 21 years experience within the Vanderbilt community," said Lauren Brisky, vice chancellor for administration and chief financial officer in a press release. "We are indeed fortunate to have someone with her extensive background to serve in this capacity."
Beth Fortune, the university's vice chancellor of public affairs, explained how much Lynch will be missed at the university.
"Jerry Fife, associate vice chancellor for business services, will be heading the national search for a permanent replacement," Fortune said.
Lynch, assistant vice chancellor and chief of police, has resigned his Vanderbilt position effective Feb. 1 to take a job as associate vice president for safety and security at the University of Chicago. Lynch, who came to Vanderbilt in 2005, is a native of Chicago.
"In his tenure as assistant vice chancellor and chief, Marlon (Lynch) developed a comprehensive plan for the future of the Vanderbilt Police Department and made significant strides toward putting that plan into motion," Brisky said in a press release. "Just as important, he created a vision for his team members and maintained the sense of professionalism and duty to the organization that have been a hallmark of the VPD for many years."
Ryan has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Texas-Arlington and a master's certificate from the University of Virginia. She is a graduate of the FBI's National Academy and the Southeastern Command and Leadership Academy.
Last year had been marked by significant overturn in the administration, with five positions being permanently filled after national searches, two of which were internal appointments to those who held interim positions. Fortune secured her position after serving as interim vice chancellor for public affairs, and dean of Arts and Science. Carolyn Dever was also hired after serving in an interim position. Additionally, Chancellor Nicholas Zeppos, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost Richard McCartney and Dean of the School of Medicine Jeff Balser were all internally appointed after national searches.
