“Dr. Chief”: Robin Griffin-Kitzerow’s Vision for Transformative Campus Policing at UCF
When Robin Griffin-Kitzerow officially stepped into her new role as Chief of Police at the University of Central Florida on July 4, 2025, she joked that fireworks should be part of her work anniversary every year. That lighthearted moment reflects the warmth and humor she brings to a role that demands both strategic leadership and the ability to navigate high-pressure situations.
But behind the celebratory start date is a leader whose career spans more than three decades in public safety and education, and whose impact is already being felt across campus.
A Career Rooted in Service and Strategy
Chief Griffin-Kitzerow’s journey began as Dispatcher and evolved through leadership roles at Florida Atlantic University and the Palm Beach County School District. Her resume reads like a blueprint for modern policing: juvenile rehabilitation, threat assessment, officer development, and community engagement.
Her academic credentials are equally impressive. She recently earned a PhD in forensic psychology from Walden University, adding to her three master’s degrees in psychology, public administration, and forensic psychology, along with a bachelor’s in organizational management. This blend of law enforcement experience and psychological expertise gives her a unique lens on campus safety.
Transforming UCFPD from the Inside Out
Since joining UCFPD as deputy chief in 2022, Griffin-Kitzerow has played a key role in advancing the department’s efforts in crisis response, threat management, and officer development. Among her most significant contributions is the refinement of the Threat Management Team – a unit originally established by former UCF Police Chief and current Associate Vice President of Public Safety, Carl Metzger. This multidisciplinary team, which includes detectives, an intelligence analyst, and a mental health clinician, is dedicated to ensuring individuals of concern are carefully monitored and compassionately supported.
Her leadership style is forward-thinking and collaborative. “We are a proactive law enforcement agency,” she says. “That means we’re out there looking to support and help, whether that’s through traffic enforcement, tabling events, or simply walking around and talking to our students.”
Building the Future of Law Enforcement
Chief Griffin-Kitzerow is passionate about shaping the next generation of officers. Under her guidance, UCFPD has launched the Explorer and cadet programs that tap into the university’s talent pool of criminal justice majors. The department also sponsors qualified graduates to attend the law enforcement academy, creating a direct pipeline from classroom to career.
Her advice to aspiring officers is clear. “Consistently[AS1] seek opportunities to enhance your professional marketability,” she says. “Learn a second language, get an advanced degree, obtain certifications, and do benevolent work in the community. And most importantly, make sure your values align with the organization you want to serve.”
The Heart Behind the Badge
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Chief Griffin-Kitzerow is a proud mom, “Mimi” to three grandchildren, and a devoted dog lover. “Sometimes I have to remind myself to take off my chief hat and put on my mom hat,” she shares. “As a chief, I’m a fixer. But as a mom, especially adult children, sometimes you just need to listen and walk alongside them.”
Her ability to balance leadership with empathy is part of what makes her so effective and so beloved within the UCF community.
What Knight Nation Means to Her
Though she’s only been at UCF for a few years, Griffin-Kitzerow feels deeply connected to Knight Nation. “I say all the time, I wish I could have met you all sooner so I could have loved you longer,” she says. “Knight Nation is a close, cohesive family, and the work we do is critically important. It’s my pleasure to come to work every day and be part of this community.”
She also emphasizes the importance of collaboration, not just within UCF, but across Central Florida. “We have wonderful working relationships with our neighboring jurisdictions. While UCFPD has 82 sworn officers, our partnerships with neighboring agencies allow us to operate with the strength of thousands.” “That spirit of cooperation is unlike anything I’ve experienced before.”
Looking Ahead
As she builds on the legacy of her predecessor, Carl Metzger, Chief Griffin-Kitzerow is focused on leveraging technology to fight and prevent crime, expanding community engagement, and continuing to elevate UCFPD as a benchmark-setting agency.
Her title, “Dr. Chief,” is more than a nickname. It’s a reflection of her subject matter expertise, her commitment to continuous learning, and her unwavering dedication to public service.
Ready to be part of a team that’s transforming campus safety?
Discover career opportunities with UCFPD and join a department driven by purpose, fueled by compassion, and led by the inspiring “Dr. Chief.”
