Patricia Groeber, Chief of Public Safety at RPI, was recently featured in “Women in Law Enforcement: Trailblazing Troopers of the New York State Police,” a video highlighting women who helped reshape the profession, including some of the first to serve in the New York State Police (NYSP). In the video, Groeber reflects on being among the early female members of the NYSP, and the challenges she overcame rising through the ranks.

Groeber joined the State Police in 1986 as a trooper in Latham, New York, at a time when women were still working to establish their place in law enforcement. In the video, she recalls the early challenges she faced: “My major at the time thought I was much too much of a nice young lady” for more advanced roles.

In December 2015, Groeber made history as the first Deputy Superintendent of the NYSP, becoming the highest-ranking woman in the agency’s 98-year history at the time. As second in command, she oversaw the day-to-day operations of more than 5,000 employees. Before that, as Field Commander (third in command), she led statewide operations across the Uniform Force, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the New York State Intelligence Center, and the Office of Counter Terrorism.

Throughout her career, Groeber has witnessed and experienced both personal perseverance and broader institutional change. “I remember the first female diver. She wasn’t just the first female diver – she was the lead in the class.” Reflecting on women leaders in the NYSP today, she shared, “that’s great that they know they can do it. Because it was never about whether they really could – it was about knowing that you can and seeing other people succeed before you.”  

After retiring from the NYSP in November 2018, Groeber joined RPI as associate director of public safety. She was named director and chief in February 2026, where she now leads campus public safety efforts. Her career continues to reflect a commitment to service and leadership, and her story stands as an example of how persistence and vision can create lasting change.