UAPD Announces Promotions for Chris Ramey and Kendell Davis

The University of Arkansas Police Department has announced the promotion of Corporal Chris Ramey to the rank of Sergeant and Officer Kendell Davis to the rank of Corporal.

Sgt. Ramey began his career with UAPD in 2021, where he quickly established himself as a dependable and community-focused officer. Promoted to Corporal in 2022, he gained valuable supervisory experience that further strengthened his leadership within the department. In addition to his patrol responsibilities, he is active in supporting the university community and can often be found providing service and security at athletics events and numerous campus activities throughout the year.

"Sgt. Ramey has been a steady and proactive presence across campus as part of our night shift," said Chief Stephen Gahagans, director of university police. "His proven leadership, professionalism, and commitment to excellence have prepared him well for this next step in his career. He has moved quickly in his development and will now have a greater role within our decision-making team."

A University of Arkansas alumnus, Ramey earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice with a minor in sociology. He serves as a Field Training Officer, playing a critical role in mentoring and developing new officers to ensure they uphold the standard of professionalism expected by UAPD personnel. He has also been an instructor in the department's less lethal program, contributing to ongoing training and officer readiness.

Ramey is a two-time Officer of the Year award recipient, a three-time DWI/DUI Enforcement Award winner, and a recipient of the 2025 Employee of the Year award.

Cpl. Davis was born and raised in Edwardsville, Illinois. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Missouri Baptist University, where he played football for four years. After graduation, he served as a Washington County Juvenile Probation Officer for three years. While there, he supervised juveniles while identifying individual and family needs, connecting them with the appropriate resources needed.

Davis began his career with UAPD in 2023 and graduated from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA) soon after. He has since completed specialized training in Red Dot Sight tactical shooting, de-escalation tactics, and servant leadership. He also serves as a Field Training Officer in addition to his patrol duties.

"Cpl. Davis remains highly engaged in campus life during the night shift," Gahagans said. "He can frequently be found supporting and protecting the community at athletics events, sorority and fraternity functions, Special Olympics and much more. With hands-on instruction and leadership by example, he lends a hand to the next generation of officers with the highest standards of professionalism and service."