Murfreesboro, N.C. – At Chowan University, safety isn’t just a service—it’s a shared commitment. From the moment students step foot on campus, they’re embraced by a culture of care, collaboration, and community that goes far beyond patrol cars and security systems. At the heart of this culture is Dennis Ball, Chowan’s Director of Public Safety, whose 37-year legacy in law enforcement brings both deep experience and a heartfelt vision for what a secure campus should feel like.

Ball, a retired Lieutenant from the Little Rock Police Department, has spent decades working in everything from gang enforcement to community policing, but his approach to safety has always remained the same: partnership first.

“The police can’t be everywhere at once—but the people who live, study, and work in a place can. That’s why I believe in partnerships,” said Ball. “The safest campuses are those where people know each other, look out for one another, and aren’t afraid to speak up if something doesn’t seem right.”

Before joining Chowan, Ball served with the University of Arkansas System, most recently as Training Captain at UA–Pulaski Technical College and as 911 and Emergency Management Coordinator for Perry County, Arkansas. His experience uniquely positions him to lead with both strategic insight and practical readiness.

But for Ball, campus safety is about more than procedures—it’s about people. He often reminds students and staff of a simple lesson from an old Sesame Street skit: “Who are the people in your neighborhood?”

“That question might sound lighthearted, but it gets to the core of what keeps communities safe,” Ball explained. “When you know who belongs, you’re the first to notice when something doesn’t. That awareness is powerful—and it’s how we protect each other.”

Chowan’s Public Safety team encourages every member of the campus community to take an active role in safety. Ball champions open communication, visible engagement, and a “team concept” in which students, faculty, and staff all see themselves as part of the university’s protective network.

While technology like surveillance cameras and automated access systems enhance campus security, Ball emphasizes that the real strength lies in shared vigilance and mutual respect.

“Nothing works better than a group of people united by a common purpose—to make their home better, safer, and stronger,” he said. “At Chowan, that’s exactly what we have.”

As Chowan University welcomes new students each year, families can take comfort in knowing that safety here is not just a policy—it’s a promise, made stronger by the people who believe in it, lead it, and live it every day.

For more information about campus safety at Chowan University, visit www.chowan.edu/safety.