Assistant Vice President for Safety and Risk Management David Hopka named Mathews to the position, in which he succeeds former Chief Mike Martinsen. Martinsen announced in August his decision to pursue a leadership position in the Cincinnati area to be closer to family.

"Mark served as interim chief in 2006 and performed admirably in that role," Hopka said. "I have full confidence in his abilities and have no doubt that he will serve the university well during this transition period."

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Mathews joined the Ohio University Police Department as a patrol officer in 1992. He was promoted to assistant director of campus safety in 1993 and to assistant chief of police in 2002.

Mathews holds a bachelor's degree in sociology/criminology from Ohio University.

A search committee will assist in locating a permanent chief of police. Chaired by Joe Adams, director of environmental health and safety, the committee includes Stacey Brinkley, associate director, Office of Diversity, Access and Equity; Gwen Brooks, director of staffing and records services, University Human Resources; Todd Coogen, associate director/production manager, University Events; Meghan Hanrahan, Ohio University senior; Susan Hopkins, records management associate, Environmental Health and Safety; David Ingram, professor, Physics and Astronomy; Barbara Nalazek, associate director, Legal Affairs; Judy Piercy, director of residence life; Marlene Swartz, administrative associate, Department of Educational Studies; and Harry Wyatt, associate vice president for facilities.

Hopka said the university hopes to name a new chief of police before the end of the year.

-- George Mauzy