Malcolm Davis, newly named UH police chief Photo by Mark Lacy

There was a time when Malcolm Davis pictured himself playing a musical instrument instead of wearing a badge. He eventually changed his tune and the music world’s loss has been the University of Houston’s gain.

Davis, a veteran UH police officer and alumnus, recently became the university’s police chief following the retirement of Bob Wilson. Davis will lead the UH Department of Public Safety (UHDPS), which is comprised of UH’s Police Department, Fire and Physical Safety Department, Parking Enforcement and Security Division.

“Bob was my mentor, so I have big shoes to fill,” Davis said. “I am looking forward to leading this department and helping it evolve.”

Among his objectives for UHDPS are increasing the number of police bicycle patrol officers and expanding the security division. Likewise, he hopes to further develop UH’s Rape Aggression Defense program, a 12-hour women’s self-defense course.

Davis credits Wilson’s leadership for helping him prepare for this new role. He also feels that his long association with UH will be an asset to preserving a safe campus environment.

Before Davis ever donned a blue police uniform, he often wore red and white marching band attire during his years as a UH music major.

With tuba in hand, Davis performed with UH’s marching band and performed in the university’s various concert ensembles.

“Studying music taught me the importance of teamwork,” Davis said. “During marching drills, it became very apparent that everyone’s role was equally important in accomplishing the group’s goal. It really helped me focus on the big picture and put my ego aside.”

While pursuing his undergraduate degree, Davis worked at Astroworld as a security guard. Although music was his passion, he discovered an affinity for the security field.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in music in 1975, Davis found himself at a career crossroads. There was a large possibility that he’d have to leave the Houston area to find a band director’s job – an unappealing option for Davis who grew up in Galveston. Instead of seeking a music career, he pursued a career in law enforcement.

In 1976, Davis became an officer with the University of Texas System, alternating his time between the UT Health Science Center and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Six years later, he returned to his alma mater as a member of the UH Police Department.

Since returning to campus as an officer, Davis has remained active balancing his peacekeeping responsibilities with graduate school – he received a master of science in occupational technology in 1999 – and a term with Staff Council.

His dedication to UH will translate into his new role as police chief. For Davis, protecting the campus he loves isn’t more of an honor than a job.

“I wake up eager to go to work,” he said. “I love what I do and that’s helping people. Knowing that I can help the faculty, staff and students of this university is very rewarding.”

Mike Emery
memery@central.uh.edu