Get to Know Chief Craig Stone: 5 Questions With the New Associate Vice President and Chief of Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services

• 01

  What attracted you to this role at Syracuse University?

  There are several things that attracted me to this position. First, Syracuse University is a very prestigious and internationally known university. Next, the title of associate vice president and chief allows for me to have a voice and direct communication with the University’s leadership team but also gives me the ability to lead and manage the operations of Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services.

  Finally, the fact that the Department of Public Safety (DPS) was accredited by International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. and the National Weather Service as a StormReady University, I know that this department was already following the best practices in the industry.

• 02

  What do you like about working in higher education?

  Working in higher education allows for a unique opportunity to educate the future leaders of the world. Every year there are new students who arrive on campus, and we as staff and faculty have the fortunate opportunity to help these young people grow and develop.

• 03

  What are your priorities for the first 90 days in this role?

  My focus has been getting to know the members of the Syracuse University community. Like I mentioned in the April update from the DPS, I have already met with various groups on campus including the Graduate Student Organization, Student Association, Academic Affairs senior team, University Senate and Resident Association Advisory Board and look forward to meeting even more! I have also enjoyed meeting and getting to know many of the various leaders across campus.

  Additionally, I set a goal for myself in the first 90 days to meet one-on-one with every member of the Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services team. During these meetings, I have enjoyed learning more about our department and the work each individual performs on a daily basis.

• 04

  What are your goals for the department?

  Even though I have only been here a little over a month, I have already identified several goals for the department, including:

  • continuing to work with and enhance our relationships with our internal and external partners to keep the campus community safe;
  • creating and maintaining an environment in which all members of our campus community are safe, feel safe, and feel appreciated and welcome;
  • increasing our proactive efforts in formal programs and informal interactions with our students through education and crime prevention efforts; and
  • continuously assessing and evaluating our efforts by seeking advanced accreditation.
• 05

  What is the most important thing you want students to know when they call the DPS for help?

  That our team is here to help them! I have spent a lot of time riding along with our patrols since I arrived and applaud the students who have called us, they did so because they were looking out for the well-being of their friends. I want our students, and all members of our campus community, to know that we are here for them as a resource to help them and keep them safe! Our department has so much to offer, and I look forward to working with the team here to educate the campus community on how we can help.