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Former Chief Kelly Roudebush passes away after battle with breast cancer

February 11, 2022

chief kelly roudebush

It is with heavy hearts that MSU Police and Public Safety announces former Chief Kelly Roudebush has passed away after a fight with breast cancer. Roudebush served as the first female chief of MSU Police and Public Safety from January 2019 to July 2020, when she took medical leave to battle the disease.

Former Chief Roudebush joined MSU Police and Public Safety as an officer in 1994. She previously served as a field training officer, canine handler, patrol shift commander, training and special events security coordinator, and a threat assessment team commander.

“Kelly was committed to the profession and the service not just for our department, but for everyone in law enforcement,” said Michigan State University Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Marlon Lynch. “She inspired so many people with her steadfast courage during this long and difficult fight. Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts during this time.”

Roudebush earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University and her Master of Public Administration degree from Western Michigan University. She will be missed dearly, and will forever be a Spartan.

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Contact:

Dana Whyte, Communications Manager, MSU Police and Public Safety

517-282-3711, WhyteD@police.msu.edu

Inspector Chris Rozman, Public Information Officer, MSU Police and Public Safety

517-432-7940, RozmanC@police.msu.edu