Wright State Police Chief Kurt Holden selected for prestigious FBI National Academy program

Wright State Police Chief Kurt Holden will attend the prestigious FBI National Academy, joining law enforcement leaders from around the world to advance his training and bring enhanced safety practices back to campus.

Kurt Holden, Wright State University’s chief of police and director of public safety, will join an elite group of law enforcement leaders this January when he begins the FBI National Academy, a prestigious 10-week program at Quantico, Virginia, known as one of the most respected executive training programs in the world.

Holden is the first Wright State officer ever selected for the national academy, which accepts only about 1% of law enforcement professionals nationwide. He’ll train alongside more than 200 law enforcement leaders from the United States and across the world, gaining advanced education in investigative techniques, homeland security, leadership development and physical fitness.

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

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.

Holden said he is eager to learn from his classmates and bring fresh insights back to benefit the Wright State community.

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

Holden’s connection to Wright State runs deep.

A former foster youth, he enrolled at the university after graduating from Bethel High School in Tipp City largely to avoid homelessness. He later found stability by reconnecting with his younger brother, who had also been in foster care. Holden overcame early academic struggles and earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and a master’s degree in leadership development from Wright State.

He joined Wright State’s Police Department in 2009, serving on the Bike Patrol Unit, Crime Prevention Unit, K9 Unit, Investigations and in the Field Training Program, eventually rising to lieutenant for patrol operations before being named chief and director of public safety in December 2021.

Being chosen for the academy is the latest accomplishment in Holden’s professional career. Last fall, he completed a 22-week leadership program at the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety, where he achieved a 99% showcasing his professional and academic excellence.

Holden’s life experiences have helped shape how he relates to students.

“Growing up in foster care taught me resilience and the importance of truly seeing people,” he said. “That perspective shaped my empathy and the way I lead. Effective policing starts with compassion.”

Representing Wright State at the FBI National Academy, he said, is both an honor and a responsibility. He hopes his participation will pave the way for other Wright State officers to attend future academies, while looking forward to using the experience to enhance the Wright State community.

He said his selection “demonstrates Wright State’s commitment to campus safety and its willingness to invest in national best practices that enhance how we serve and protect our community.”

He added, “This is an important moment for me, my family and our department. I’m grateful for the support of campus leadership and the dedicated public safety team that will continue serving the campus with excellence while I’m away.”