University Affairs

Ellis Bruch Announced as Executive Director for Public Safety

By Marcus Jensen |

Ellis Bruch (Credit: USU/Levi Sim)

LOGAN, Utah — Ellis Bruch has been named the Executive Director for Public Safety at Utah State University. Bruch, who currently serves as director of emergency management, will replace Michael Kuehn, who will retire at the end of June. In his new role, Bruch will oversee the USU police chief, fire marshal and the director of emergency management.

“I am so pleased that Ellis Bruch has accepted the position as executive director for our Department of Public Safety,” said USU President Noelle E. Cockett. “Ellis has been an indispensable asset to our university, helping us traverse the pandemic. I am confident he will continue to put the safety of our students and employees at the forefront of his new position.”

Kuehn returned to USU as the executive director of public safety in February 2022 with the intention of retiring after helping stabilize the department, which underwent a change in reporting structure. Kuehn was instrumental in the hiring of USU’s new police chief as well as guiding the department through a transition that strengthened leadership and oversight. He believes USU is in good and capable hands with Bruch now taking over.

“I can’t express how much I enjoyed my brief time back at USU,” Kuehn said. “It was a pleasure to serve our students and employees and help protect and enhance safety on our campus. I am confident Ellis will continue our campus’ upward trajectory and will work well with all those involved in keeping USU a welcoming and safe place to learn.”

Bruch was hired as the director of emergency management in August 2019. He was an instrumental team member of university leaders who created and implemented the university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am honored to accept this position and to serve the community that is Utah State University,” Bruch said. “I have grown to love this campus and the people who come here, whether they are students, employees or local community members. My number one priority will always be the people who are here and what can be done to make USU the best and safest possible place to be.”

Bruch graduated from the Weber State University emergency care and rescue program in 2000. Prior to joining USU in 2019, Bruch worked in public safety in various capacities, including as a corrections deputy, deputy/paramedic, school resource officer, county fire marshal and as the emergency manager for Davis County. He served northern Utah as the Director of EMS Relations at HCA Mountain Division. He has served on many state and federal emergency management and homeland security committees to improve public safety in Utah.

Michael Kuehn (Credit: USU/Levi Sim)

WRITER

Marcus Jensen
News Coordinator
University Marketing and Communications
marcus.jensen@usu.edu

CONTACT

Emilie Wheeler
News Director
University Marketing and Communications
435-797-0744
emilie.wheeler@usu.edu


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