Founding UC Merced Staffer Wraps Up 45 Year in Law Enforcement

This article by the University of California, Merced highlights the retirement of Tamela Adkins, who served 20 years as a key leader in UC Merced's Police Department.

Adkins joined UC Merced just weeks before the campus opened in 2005, helping establish critical safety operations from the ground up. Her journey from high school graduate to law enforcement professional demonstrates remarkable dedication to public service. After 45 years in law enforcement, including 23 years with the California Highway Patrol, she's transitioning to retirement where she plans to focus on gardening, community service, and volunteer work.

• Built UC Merced's emergency systems including notification protocols and safety coordinator programs
• Earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from UC Merced while working full-time as a first-generation student
• Mentored students and alumni, helping establish sustainable staffing practices within the department
• Plans to continue community involvement through volunteer work and gardening on her one-acre property