Employee Spotlight: Lt. Michael R. Oakes

Mikayla Hatfield

Michael R. Oakes, currently serving as Support Services Lieutenant at the U of A Police Department (UAPD), brings an abundance of experience and a commitment to professional development and learning to his role.

A first-generation college student, Oakes initially, like many, tried to figure out how to balance finances, work and attending college classes after high school. To support himself and gain experience in a skilled trade, he attended night classes and worked as a meat cutter in Waldon, Arkansas, until the sheriff, who knew him as a child due to living in such a close-knit community, invited him to apply with the sheriff's office. After some hesitation, he eventually walked away from his academic pursuits to join the Scott County Sheriff's office in 1995. He worked simultaneously as a radio operator, jailer and transport officer for four years and attempted college again. However, working full-time in a demanding job and commuting an hour to attend classes in Fort Smith proved to be too much.

Oakes prayed for an answer: "If I could just find a law enforcement job that would somehow work with me in going to college. But where would such a job exist?"

A short time later, while visiting his brother in Fayetteville, he read an advertisement in the paper for a dispatcher with UAPD. Shocked that the university had a police department, he learned that it provided reduced tuition for its employees, which at the time was $15 per class. Oakes drove to campus and met with Capt. Gary Crain. "Only later did I realized how busy the captain was, but he took more than an hour out of his day to speak with me about the job." A month later, he was on a new career trajectory.

Oakes started as a dispatcher in 1999. He found the position to be a great fit while he oriented himself to life at the university and in a new city. He worked the night shift and attended classes during the afternoon. During a quiet night, he could work on homework, usually between 2 and 4 a.m. Oakes completed an undergraduate degree in vocational adult education with an emphasis in human resource development and a graduate degree in adult education and workforce development. He graduated from the police academy in 2001 and graduated from the School of Police Staff and Command, Northwestern University, in 2018. 

A self-described lifelong learner, Oakes advocates for continuous professional development—personally setting a learning outcome for every day, reflecting his dedication to personal and professional growth. He believes that a commitment to learning is essential, emphasizing, "If you're not learning, either you don't care or you're dead. Either way, it's a problem."

Oakes finds joy in meeting people and learning their stories. Whether interacting with volunteers at athletic events, providing security for campus guests or chauffeuring celebrities such as Apolo Ohno and Judge Sandra Day O'Connor, he values each opportunity to connect with people. Oakes has also introduced his children to professors on campus who have taken time to speak about their fields of expertise, fostering a culture of curiosity and respect for knowledge within his family.

With three children, including one in high school and another in junior high school, Oakes appreciates the family-friendly culture at the U of A. He values the health benefits and the flexibility to take leave when needed, and he emphasizes the supportive nature of his team.

As the Support Services Lieutenant, Oakes reviews and ensures the accuracy of all case reports, maintaining compliance with Clery, state and national requirements. He also serves as the campus Clery coordinator for the UAFS and Rome campuses. The Clery annual security report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus as well as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes and sexual assault. "I value and deeply appreciate the Clery Act by how it addresses specific health and safety initiatives for the betterment of the campus community," Oakes said.

Oakes progressed through various roles with UAPD, including crime prevention officer. He was appointed sergeant in 2005, and in 2006, he accepted an assignment as UAPD's policy and procedure writer. UAPD was the first law enforcement agency in the state to become accredited in 1995. With Oakes' support, the department has maintained accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., demonstrating adherence to 483 industry standards. 

While with UAPD he has received Employee of the Year, Police Officer of the Year, the Larry Slamons Award and several community service awards. Oakes is committed to the values of community policing and appreciates the collaborative and respectful debate culture at UAPD.

"I can always count on Lt. Mike Oakes to bring a fresh perspective to our projects," UAPD Chief Gahagans said. "He tends to look at issues from a different lens, which helps support a more comprehensive view of an issue or concern.  His different way of thinking and willingness to explore new ideas contribute to our team's continuous growth and evolution."