Laurie Clouse named new Chief of University Police at Texas State

Laurie Espinoza Clouse has been named the new chief of the Texas State University Police Department. Her start date is Feb. 4.

Clouse was selected following an extensive search process that considered applicants from across the country. She comes to Texas State from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, where she served as chief of police.

"My community policing vision focuses on community engagement and relationship building with both internal and external stakeholders," Clouse said. "I strive to strike a collaborative tone, and hope to work closely with student affairs to best meet the needs of our students in all aspects."

Clouse is a graduate of Midwestern State University with a degree in elementary education. She spent two years as a classroom teacher prior to entering law enforcement.  She served four years as an officer with the Wichita Falls Police Department before joining the UNT Police Department in 2001. Clouse moved to the UNT Health Science Center Police Department where she was promoted to captain in 2008 and chief of police in 2017.

"We had tremendous interest in this position—more than one hundred candidates applied," said Eric Algoe, vice president for Finance and Support Services. "The search committee conducted initial video interviews with 10 highly qualified candidates from across the country, and we brought the top four candidates to campus. Chief Clouse shined throughout the process and we are excited to welcome her to the community."

The search committee was co-chaired by Algoe and Margarita Arellano, dean of students. Other committee members included Nathan Pino, representing the Faculty Senate, Stephanie Korcheck, representing Staff Council, Rosanne Proite, director of Housing and Residential Life, Scott Bowman, associate professor in the School of Criminal Justice, Lynn Brinckmeyer, professor in the School of Music, and senior undergraduate student Corey Benbow.