Gary Durham, executive director of public safety and interim chief of LSUPD, will retire from the University on December 31, Chancellor Michael Martin announced recently.Maj. Lawrence Rabalais took over the job on August 17. “It’s an honor and a privilege that the University would pick me to fill that position,” Rabalais said.  Rabalais said he wants to continue the positive relationship Durham helped build between LSUPD and other campus departments. Durham was named chief of police in 1977 and held the post for 10 years before he was promoted to executive director of public safety and risk management. “We appreciate the many years of service Gary Durham has given to LSU,” Martin said in a news release. “He has played a significant role in the development and the safety of this campus, and LSU will miss his leadership.” Two other University officials announced their retirement recently. Jerry Baudin, vice chancellor for finance and administrative services, announced his retirement from the University on Tuesday, and Carolyn Collins, former dean of the University College, announced her retirement shortly after being arrested on charges of theft in June. Collins had been transferring money from University funds into her personal Tiger Card account, according to an LSUPD investigation. Baudin came to the University in 1967 and is currently chief financial officer. Eric Monday, associate vice chancellor for finance and administrative services and interim vice chancellor for student life, said the University will put together a hiring committee soon to find a new vice chancellor. Martin said Monday will begin the position of interim vice chancellor designee for finance and administrative services Sept. 1. University spokeswoman Kristine Calongne didn’t comment on the recent slew of retirements at the University. ————Contact Kyle Bove at [email protected]