By Brandon Brown, Wildcats Media
PINEVILLE, La. (Wildcats Media) – Louisiana College has been named the safest college campus in Louisiana by Niche.com.
“Since coming to Louisiana College to serve as president in 2015 the safety and security of the campus community has been at the top of my mind,” said LC President Rick Brewer. “The Homeland Security grant we recently received underscores this commitment and will expedite and expand campus safety and security exponentially over the years ahead.”
LC ranked ahead of larger schools in the state such as Louisiana Tech University (No. 2), Nicholls State University (No. 5) and McNeese State University (No. 10). Niche uses a letter grade system. With A+ being the highest overall grade possible, LC garnered an A- for safety on campus.
Brewer said LC has significantly improved campus safety and security since 2015 by adding campus lighting and surveillance cameras. The school also hired Clifford Gatlin, a former law enforcement officer, as chief of security.
Additionally, the school received a $100,000 grant that will will be used for improved lighting around buildings, parking lots, and residence halls. Cameras will be purchased and installed around campus for improved watch safety, and airport quality screening devices will be available for large events on campus.
LC Director of Safety and Security Clifford Gatlin added: “Students, faculty, staff and visitors to the campus will notice this huge investment in the coming years.”
Niche.com is a rating and review website for facets of the college experience including categories like safety, academics and value. According to niche.com, its safety rating is based on campus crime rate, local crime rate, as well as student surveys regarding health and safety services on campus.
