AT HIGHLANDS COLLEGE, the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors is a priority and foundational commitment. Our mission is to cultivate an environment where students pursue their calling without distraction or concern, focusing entirely on fulfilling the Great Commission.

Every aspect of our security efforts is rooted in the understanding that a secure campus is essential for academic and spiritual growth. Students who feel safe can better focus on their education and ministry preparation, and faculty who feel safe can teach and serve without concern, best supporting our students in their ministry journeys.

As the Director of Safety and Security, with over 30 years of experience in law enforcement and security—including 25 years with the U.S. Secret Service protecting U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries—I am committed to leading a professional and proactive security department. Our team is building upon the foundation already laid, anticipating our growing institution’s future needs as we plan to welcome 1,000 students to campus.

Safety Officer David Tkacik welcomes students to The Heights, one of the two current residence halls on campus.

A Multi-Faceted Approach 

Every initiative, every training, and every resource Highlands College invests in is strategically aligned to maintain a safe and supportive campus environment. To uphold this commitment, our security strategy encompasses several key areas, including Proactive Assessments, Risk Reduction Strategies, and Rapid Response Capabilities, as well as hiring the best in the security field, forming a Safety Committee, and collaborating between internal departments and external agencies. We remain committed to enhancing and continuously improving our campus safety measures through evaluation and analysis, training and development, and technology integration.

The Security Desk at Highlands College provides 24/7 access to students, faculty, HC Team, and guests for visitor check-ins, questions, and guidance. While students are on campus, Highlands College ensures there is an armed, uniformed police officer or courtesy officer present at all times.

The Future

Looking ahead, our goal is to anticipate and meet the evolving safety needs of Highlands College. We aim to implement new technologies, refine procedures, and ensure that our security measures scale with the growth of our institution while remaining committed to fiscal responsibility, maximizing the efficiency of our resources while never compromising on safety.

Security is a shared responsibility. Each Safety and Security team member is here because we believe in the mission of Highlands College and the transformative power of faith-based education. Our faith is central to our lives, and we are honored to serve in this department and work alongside dedicated teammates to make Highlands College a safe place for all who come here to learn and serve. Highlands College will remain the premier biblical institution where students grow, learn, receive their commissioning, and make an eternal impact on this world. ■