Wright State Police Chief Kurt Holden graduates from FBI National Academy

Kurt Holden, chief of police and director of public safety at Wright State, was among 253 law enforcement leaders who participated in the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Kurt Holden, Wright State University’s chief of police and director of public safety, is bringing national-level training and global law enforcement connections back to campus after graduating from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Holden was among 253 law enforcement leaders selected for the prestigious 10-week program, which included officers from 48 states, the District of Columbia and 24 countries.

The FBI Academy provides advanced training in leadership, communication and physical fitness and is open only to officers nominated by their agencies. Fewer than 1% of law enforcement professionals nationwide are selected to attend.

“This is one of the highest levels of leadership development available in our profession,” Holden said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

The FBI National Academy is known for its rigorous academic and physical components and for connecting attendees with law enforcement leaders from across the globe.

“The FBI National Academy is one of the most respected law enforcement programs, and Chief Holden’s graduation speaks to the caliber of leadership guiding our university Police Department,” said Wright State University President Sue Edwards. “Campus safety today means more than response and enforcement. It means building trust, relationships and understanding the full range of challenges our community faces. That’s the standard our students deserve, and Chief Holden sets it.”

Holden, the first Wright State police officer to participate in the academy, said he plans to apply what he learned to enhance community safety.

“The goal is to take these lessons and strengthen our officer development programs,” he said. “I want also to implement national best practices that enhance campus safety for all students, from first-year students to international students and everyone in between.”

Since its founding in 1935, the FBI National Academy has graduated nearly 57,000 law enforcement professionals. The program is held at the FBI Training Academy, where new special agents and intelligence analysts are trained.

Holden joined the Wright State Police Department in 2009 and was named chief of police and director of public safety in 2021.

He is also a proud Wright State graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and a master’s degree in leadership development.

His graduation adds to a series of recent professional achievements. In 2025, he was named to the International Association of Chiefs of Police 40 Under 40 list. In 2024, he completed the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety.