OSUIT Campus Police Honored as Hometown Heroes

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The Henryetta Free-Lance and Okmulgee Times have recognized the OSUIT Campus Police Department as part of their annual Salute to Hometown Heroes, highlighting the department's critical role in maintaining safety, security and preparedness on campus and in the surrounding community.

Why it matters

The OSUIT Campus Police Department plays a vital but often unseen role in supporting the university's educational mission by ensuring a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. Their work extends beyond traditional law enforcement to include emergency management, environmental health and safety, and other essential services.

The details

Under the leadership of Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Matthew Wooliver, the 10-member OSUIT Campus Police Department is responsible for law enforcement, emergency response, communications, traffic and parking enforcement, and compiling annual campus crime statistics. The department generated 85 official reports in 2025 while also providing more than 75 vehicle assists to the campus community.

• The OSUIT Campus Police Department has been led by Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Matthew Wooliver for the past 18 years.
• OSUIT Vice President of Operations Chris Benge has been in his current role for 3 years.
• The department's Annual Security Report is released each year by October 1st, as required by federal law.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The OSUIT Campus Police Department will continue its vital work of protecting the university community and upholding its commitment to transparency by releasing its Annual Security Report by October 1st, 2026.