Former campus police chief Shanon Anderson departed the position following over three months of paid leave according to an email from Oregon State University, sent to students on Tuesday.

Anderson was put on paid leave on Dec. 11, 2024, after four years as the Department of Public Safety chief of police. The university announced Anderson’s departure in an email to the OSU community, but has not provided any reasoning behind the leave or subsequent separation. 

“Today Chief Anderson separated from employment at the university,” the email read.

The email did not make clear whether she voluntarily stepped down or was terminated. 

Before coming to OSU, Anderson had a lengthy law enforcement background, including roles as a lieutenant, sergeant, patrol officer and detective for the Seattle Police Department. 

In an email, Rob Odom, vice president for university relations and marketing, declined to speak on Anderson’s separation, saying, “OSU does not comment on personnel matters.”

James Yon has been serving as acting chief of police since Anderson’s leave began, and will continue to do so until the position is filled, according to the email. Yon racked up nearly thirty years of law enforcement experience preceding his employment with DPS in 2022.

“The process for hiring the next chief of police has not yet begun and the timeline has not yet been established,” Odom said. “We can share more information when it’s available.”