Get to know new security leaders at OSU-CHS

Friday, April 25, 2025

Media Contact: Sara Plummer | Senior Communications Coordinator | 918-561-1282 | sara.plummer@okstate.edu

There’s a new chief and captain in town. 

The Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Campus Security has merged with the OSU Police Department based in Stillwater under the direction of new Chief of Police Michael Beckner. 

OSU-CHS Campus Security will now be part of the Tulsa Division, supervised by Capt. Michael Galbraith, who will oversee police and security needs at OSU-Tulsa, OSU-CHS, OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation and OSU Medicine clinics.

Beckner started as chief of the OSU Police Department in January 2025. He has been in law enforcement for 30 years and worked at universities in Alaska, Georgia and Louisiana before coming to OSU.

Galbraith has been in law enforcement for 25 years and served as an officer at Langston University before joining the OSU Police Department in 2007. 

Where are you from?

Beckner: Most recently, Hammond, Louisiana, but I grew up in a military family, so I had many homes growing up from Germany to Alaska and few stops in between.

Galbraith: I’m from Guthrie, Oklahoma, the first state capital. 

Can you talk about your past law enforcement experience?

Beckner: I’ve been in law enforcement for 30 years, starting at the City of Corinth in north Mississippi, working for the sheriff’s office as a lead investigator. Then, I went to work for the University of Alaska-Anchorage and left in 2006 as interim chief of police. Most recently, I was chief of police at Southeastern Louisiana University. I have a bachelor’s in criminal justice administration and a Juris Masters from Liberty University School of Law. I am also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command School.

Galbraith: I have been in law enforcement for 25 years this May. I am also a 19-year volunteer fire department veteran.

What drew you to work at OSU?

Beckner: The opportunity to lead a major university law enforcement agency and bring about change and a positive outlook on law enforcement. Being able to be a part of a student’s journey through their educational process. Also, we can’t forget Big 12 sports. Go Pokes!

Galbraith: I worked at a smaller university for just over seven years and met Leon Jones, OSU’s former chief, at a training event. When they had openings, I applied, and the rest is history, now almost 18 years later. 

What do you see is your role in relation to the campuses here in Tulsa and Tahlequah?

Galbraith: My role is to bridge the gap between our campus community and the officers who work at each location. Doing our best to become more involved in the campus community and provide the best possible service to the campus community.

What will the new security and police structure be going forward at OSU-CHS?

Beckner: Overall, the new structure will provide students, staff, faculty and visitors a better overall experience. Having sworn and non-sworn officers receive the same training and operate under the same policies as the main campus will create a professional group of individuals who are eager to serve the OSU campuses. 

Galbraith: We will be looking at a police and security hybrid model where we will have police and security officers at both OSU-Tulsa and OSU-CHS campuses during the times that those specific services are most needed. The Tahlequah campus will remain, for the most part, unchanged regarding its security function. The benefit of this new structure is the sharing of resources from all campuses. 

What’s your philosophy when it comes to public and campus safety?

Beckner: My philosophy is simple — we are there to educate and be a part of the community. It is important that the police become a part of the OSU community and gain the trust and respect of the community they serve. We do this through transparency, community engagement and collaboration.

Galbraith: I believe each officer who invests the time to be involved in the campus community and connects with faculty, staff and students has a more inherent interest in the overall safety of the campus because it feels like family. I believe it gives the officer a greater sense of responsibility to ensure everyone is safe.

How did the OSU Police Department respond to recent wildfires in Oklahoma?

Beckner: OSUPD had all officers assigned to the Stillwater campus report to work and went to assist Stillwater police and fire departments as the fires were on the west side of the city. We then had our officers respond to Lake Carl Blackwell as OSU’s property was being affected. Officers went through neighborhoods helping evacuate residents and OSU provided buses for some of the evacuated areas. 

Galbraith: OSU officers from Tulsa didn’t respond, but I personally have been a volunteer firefighter for the past 20 years for the Coyle Volunteer Fire Department. I served as chief for six years and am currently assistant chief. Coyle is located 20 miles south of Stillwater. I responded all eight days with the fire department, and I went to areas in Logan County like Meridian and Guthrie, to Coyle, Lake Carl Blackwell and Stillwater in Payne County. It was a long eight days for me and the fire department I serve. 

Now for some fun questions. What do you like to do in your free time?

Beckner: I like to spend time with my wife and plan our next travel adventure. We love to explore new places and see their history. We are also both sports fans and like to go to games.

Galbraith: I like to fish for bass. I currently run the largest kayak bass fishing organization in the state of Oklahoma. I also travel to surrounding states to compete.

What’s a favorite book, movie or TV show?

Beckner: Anything about leadership. I am a big Simon Sinek reader and understanding your why is the key to success.

Galbraith: I like everything Superman or comic related. If not that, everything is fishing. 

Cop shows and movies, yah or nah?

Beckner: No cop shows. They drive me crazy because I sit there and figure out the plot and ending. It drives my wife crazy.

Galbraith: Early on in my career, I watched everything related to cops, but now, 25 years in, not so much.

What are your most prized possessions?

Beckner: Probably my wife and son.

Galbraith: I have two. I made the cover of two magazines; one was for my fishing, and the other was for volunteer firefighting. 

What’s your proudest moment?

Beckner: There’s not just one; it’s my whole career, helping and building relationships and just doing the right thing when no one is looking.

Galbraith: Aside from my children and my grandchildren, it would be graduating with my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Leon Jones had a big impact on me personally. He convinced me to go back to school and get my degree.