Oakland University acting student lands guest star role on NBC’s ‘Chicago P.D.’

A rising talent from Oakland University is making her national television debut this week. BFA Acting student DeNetria Gibson will appear as a guest star on “Chicago P.D.” (Season 13, Episode 16), airing April 1 at 10 p.m. on NBC.

“Playing this role marks my first ever professional credit,” Gibson said. “It was an amazing experience.”

The guest star designation signals a prominent role, with Gibson appearing in multiple scenes and receiving main credit recognition. Filming took place over two weeks in Chicago earlier this semester, where she worked alongside established cast members including Jason Beghe, Marina Squerciati, Benjamin Levy Aguilar and LaRoyce Hawkins.

The episode is directed by Milena Govich, who has also connected with Oakland University through her collaboration with OU faculty member Milica Govich.

Gibson’s success reflects years of preparation and engagement within the university’s Department of Theatre. While at Oakland, she completed advanced on-camera coursework, participated in masterclasses with Milena Govich, and held multiple student leadership roles. She served as vice president of the Theatre Board and president of Kaleidoscope Theatre, a student organization dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion through performance.

Her involvement across campus has been extensive. Gibson has worked as a peer mentor in the Center for Multicultural Initiatives, served as a desk attendant at the Gender and Sexuality Center, and helped found and lead student organizations including Kaleidoscope Theatre and the “Infinity” dance group — an internationally recognized K-pop performance team.

On stage, Gibson has been featured in several notable departmental productions, including “Pipeline” and “The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs.” Her creative work extends beyond acting; she earned first place in the Black Monologue Competition in Los Angeles this past summer and previously won Oakland’s “Freedom of Speech” scholarship competition for her original poem, “I Still Speak.”

Peers describe Gibson as a dedicated and collaborative artist who consistently works to foster inclusive and supportive creative spaces. As she prepares to graduate at the end of April, her trajectory from the OU stage to national television underscores both her talent and commitment.

To celebrate her achievement, the Department of Theatre will host a public screening of the episode on April 1 at 9:45 p.m. in the Habitat at the Oakland Center. Gibson will share reflections from her on-set experience prior to the broadcast. For those unable to attend, the episode will be available for streaming the following day on Peacock.

Gibson’s accomplishment highlights the strength of Oakland University’s theatre program and its commitment to preparing students for professional success — on stage, on screen and beyond.