By Ashley Mercer, Gaylord College Class of 2023
Celebrating Black History Month, Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication recognizes alumnus and OU Police Chief Nate Tarver. Tarver graduated in 1978 with a BA in broadcast journalism.
Tarver serves all three OU campuses. He worked for the Moore and Oklahoma City police departments before joining the OU police department in 2015.
Tarver said his career in law enforcement happened by chance.
“I went by to pay my utility bill, and they were hiring police officers,” he said. Tarver became the first Black officer for the city of Moore.
“It was probably one of the best decisions I made,” he said. He said he takes pride in knowing he has served others and has made a difference in people's lives.
Tarver has worked hard and knows life is full of challenges. When he began working in law enforcement, he wasn't treated as an equal by many people he came in contact with. Those challenges have not slowed him down with his service to others.
Tarver said he treats everyone with respect and kindness.
“People motivate me,” he said.
Whether it's his staff or members of the community, he said he knows he must lead with respect and understanding.
“People depend on me for direction and I can do that too, but you don't have to talk down to people, or order people,” he said.
Tarver said he takes pride in this month when the Black community is highlighted.
“I’m proud of the achievements that people who look like me have made; it's a good feeling,” he said
To see a video about Chief Nate Tarver, please click here.
