James excited to work with campus

New Director of Security, Safety, impressed with College

The newest addition to a slate of new faces in the Oberlin administration is that of Director of Safety and Security Keith James.

He replaces Joe DiChristina, who served as interim Director of Security last spring, and former Director Richard McDaniel, who resigned in the Fall of 1995.

James was born in San Gregande, Trinidad. He moved to Washington D.C. in 1970, and then to Washington state, where he attended Washington State University, earning a Bachelor and Master's degree in Criminal Justice. While in Washington, he served in several law enforcement capacities.

In 1989 James moved to Ohio, accepting the Director of Security position at the College of Wooster. He remained there until July of this year, when he began his duties as director of Oberlin's Department of Safety and Security.

When asked about what drew him to Oberlin, a warm smile comes across his face.

"The challenge. Oberlin is a really unique institution and I think it is an experience that not too many people would have," he said.

"Oberlin," James said, "offers many opportunities in terms of professional growth."

Comparing Oberlin to Wooster, James says, "I really enjoyed and learned a lot at Wooster, but it is different."

"Students here seem to be a lot more outspoken in their ideas," he said. "Issues at Wooster are calmer."

He cites Oberlin's history and diversity as some of the college's positive aspects.

"Oberlin has a rich history of educating women and ethnic minorities, and it did it at a time when it was unpopular," he said.

James said he likes working with campus security departments because "everyone who's here [on the campus] has a stake in what the community is about. I also like working with students."

While he reports directly to dean of Student Life and Services Charlene Cole-Newkirk, he works closely with others in the Residential Life staff, and wants to promote dialogue with the community concerning safety and security issues.

One group James works with closely is the student cadets, who he says are "invaluable to the department." They serve as his eyes and ears around campus, and provide a student's point of view to the department.

"My charge is to meet the students and understand what the issues and needs are," he said. "It's difficult to come into a position and make changes without knowing campus needs."

He said he would like to observe life at Oberlin and look closely at the services the department provides on campus, discuss concerns with students and staff, and formulate solutions that fit the community. He will attempt to foster dialogue between security officers and campus leaders, and to figure out the priorities of the community.

"Like any other department, your services are shaped by the people you serve," he said.

James plans to observe and analyze the present practices and procedures of the office, then pull together a procedural manual for the department.

"As a new director I have to be careful not to come to a campus and try to work on everything all at the same time," he said.

In terms of specific plans for this year, James said he wishes to concentrate on the issues of safety escorts and parking enforcement. These issues were discussed last semester by students and staff, but no new policy has been set.

Many of James' ideas align with the plans that Cole-Newkirk has for the role of the Security department within Student Life. Among other things, one of Cole-Newkirk's priorities is examining the needs of the college community and tailoring safety services to students.

Both Cole-Newkirk and James stress that students are an important part of this process.

" I would really encourage students to go and meet Mr. James," Cole-Newkirk said.

"I'm open to ideas and suggestions….I look forward to talking to people about issues," James said.

A secure smile: New Safety and Security director James smiles for the camera (photo by Annie Greenberg)