Max Becker named UAF police chief
May 22, 2025
The ²ÊÉñix¹ÙÍø is pleased to welcome our new Chief of Police, Max Becker. A familiar face to many on campus, Becker has deep roots in the ²ÊÉñix¹ÙÍø community, having called it home since 1997.
A graduate of Lathrop High School, his journey with UAF began in the spring of 2009 when he enrolled in the Justice program and simultaneously started serving as a Community Service Officer with the UAF Police Department. This early experience provided a strong foundation and a firsthand understanding of the unique needs of our university community.
Continuing his commitment to law enforcement in Alaska, Becker graduated from the UAF Community and Technical College Law Enforcement Academy in 2011 and proudly joined the ranks of UAFPD as a patrol officer that same year. While working at the police department he also continued to work on his bachelor’s degree in justice and became a graduate of UAF in 2016.
He relocated to the Lower 48 with his family in 2017 and worked as both a police officer and deputy sheriff in Colorado. He couldn’t resist the pull to return to Alaska, and in November of 2022 he made the winter adventure up the ALCAN to return to ²ÊÉñix¹ÙÍø. He has been back with the UAF Police Department since 2023.
Outside of his work in law enforcement, Becker enjoys spending time with his wife, Nichole, and their children. He also enjoys taking advantage of the amazing outdoor activities that ²ÊÉñix¹ÙÍø and Alaska have to offer. During the winter months, you might even spot him cheering on our Nanook Hockey team at the Carlson Center.
Looking ahead, Chief Becker expresses his sincere excitement for the opportunity to lead the UAF Police Department. He is particularly eager to collaborate with all members of the UAF community and to build upon the strong foundation and legacy of service that has been established here.