Syracuse University today announced the appointment of Michael J. Bunker as the new associate vice president and chief of Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services following a national search. Bunker will begin his new role on July 1, 2025. He succeeds Craig Stone, who recently announced that after 40 years in law enforcement, he would be retiring at the end of July 2025.
Michael J. Bunker
Bunker, a military veteran with 14 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard, brings more than two decades of experience in campus safety, emergency management and public safety leadership, most recently serving as chief of campus safety at the University of Denver. There, he oversaw all safety and security operations for a large, urban campus, including emergency management, environmental health and safety, and security technology.
Allen Groves, senior vice president for the student experience and chief student experience officer, led the search committee supported by students, faculty and staff that endorsed Bunker’s candidacy.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mike Bunker to the Syracuse University community,” says Groves. “His innovative leadership, commitment to contemporary safety practices and deep understanding of the evolving needs of campus communities make him uniquely qualified for this critically important role. I look forward to working closely with him to enhance the safety our campus community and emergency preparedness across the University.”
“I am honored to join Syracuse University and lead a dynamic team dedicated to creating a safe, supportive and welcoming campus environment,” says Bunker. “I look forward to quickly engaging with our community and partnering with students, faculty, staff and stakeholders to strengthen our emergency preparedness, foster transparency and ensure every member of our Orange community feels safe and is safe.”
During his tenure at the University of Denver, Bunker led transformative initiatives, including the creation of an integrated mental health campus response team strategy and the deployment of body-worn cameras and artificial intelligence-enhanced security systems. He also created and deployed trust-building programs with students, such as family-style dinners with student groups and close collaboration with student government and athletics.
Bunker is well-known for his expertise in proactive threat management; compliance with federal standards, including the Clery Act; and taking a student-centered approach to campus safety. At Syracuse, Bunker will report to Groves and oversee a comprehensive portfolio that includes public safety operations, emergency management services, crisis planning and response, and collaborative outreach across the University’s diverse community.
Before his time at the University of Denver, Bunker held leadership roles with the Georgetown University Police Department and the Campus Public Safety Institute. He’s also held positions with the Falls Church Police Department in Falls Church, Virginia, and George Mason University Police Department.
A lifelong learner with a commitment to continuing education, Bunker has two master’s degrees, including an MBA from the University of Denver and a master’s degree in project management from Georgetown University. He also has a graduate certificate in executive leadership coaching.
Bunker will move to the region next month and is looking forward to becoming a part of the Central New York community.
For more information about Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services at Syracuse University, visit dps.syr.edu.
