ALYSA PERRERAS | staff writer

New Campus Safety Director brings a heart for students and desire for change.

The department of Campus Safety welcomes interim Director Richard Courier. Courier boasts a wide range of experience and impressive accolades throughout his 33 years of experience, but anyone who knows Courier can see he is much more than just his resume.

With the retirement of former Campus Safety Director Jim Holland, the university was faced with the daunting task of filling the position.

“When [Chief Holland] left we were unaware and uncertain about the direction we were going to go,” Campus Safety Sergeant Guy Gomez said.

Since Courier’s arrival, Gomez recognizes change.

“We are going in a positive direction and we have a positive outlook on [the future]” Gomez said.

Director Courier is concerned for how the Department of Campus Safety can better serve the campus and community.

“Our service is primarily with students and the protection of students. We are all here for the students, staff, faculty, administrators,” Courier said.

Courier has innovative ideas about what he can do to better serve the community. During his time here he hopes to implement times for each residence hall to hold a meeting with Campus Safety officers to discuss new ideas and needs. He also hopes to see more bulletins dispersed on the topics of crime prevention and awareness.

“We are not an island upon ourselves. APU is one of the most exposed campuses, which requires a substantial raise in the level of campus safety and prevention,” Courier said.

Long term, Courier plans to further address the needs of the students and reflect issues they care about. He recognizes the conflict involved with tackling issues like parking fees and foresees a designated loading area where students can pick people up for dates or have their parents stop by to bring things to their dorms.

“It’s a challenging job. Students challenge administration in different ways, but its healthy. This is what makes life exciting,” Courier said.

Courier and his wife Mary Ellen have three children. Just as he views his family, Courier views his new position as smaller part of the bigger picture.

“They [the members of the department of Campus Safety] are the implementers. I am just a small part of a great team here,” Courier said.

Campus Safety office manager Bonny Legind said it is very clear that he cares for the department, but he also cares deeply for the students.

“He fit right in; he came in taking things on and taking things over. He really is facilitating change here,” Legind said.

Legind has been a member of the Department of Campus Safety for ten years and has seen firsthand many changes that have occurred. “He is where we are going and what we need,” Legind said.

Courier not only cares about the safety needs of students on campus, but also for the 17 student officers he works with. Courier wants to create a strong community spirit within the office so that all employee enjoys their jobs at Campus Safety. He values the different perspectives student officers bring to the department as trained observers.

“They bring freshness to department and awareness of the concerns of students,” Courier said.

Though he has worked with many prestigious organizations Courier says he truly admires the level of leadership at this university. He enjoys the ability to openly discuss and examine what it means to be a Christ follower.

“One of my intrinsic rewards here is that Christianity is a living part of our daily lives here; it is so refreshing,” Courier said.

Courier hopes that, with the team he works with, he can help students feel more comfortable about reporting crime, be smarter about crime prevention and, overall, improve the level of service that Campus Safety brings to the students.

“[We] want to send the message that our students, faculty and staff are aware of what is going on in our community and will respond in a responsible and supportive way,” Courier said.