Tennessee Tech University is strengthening its longstanding commitment to student safety through the creation of a new Campus Safety Division and the appointment of veteran law enforcement leader Bob Crabtree as the university's first chief safety officer.
The Executive Committee of Tech's Board of Trustees unanimously approved the new division and Crabtree's appointment during its June 25 quarterly meeting.
The Campus Safety Division brings together the University's Police Department, Environmental Health & Safety Office and Emergency Management under a single organizational structure designed to strengthen collaboration, preparedness and coordinated response across campus.
"This is something we've been planning for, working toward for quite a while now," said Tech President Phil Oldham during the board meeting. "Keeping everyone safe and secure is the most important goal we have on campus, and it's important not only to consolidate these units – but also to find the right person to oversee that, and I know we have."
Crabtree brings more than three decades of experience in law enforcement and public safety. He has served with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office since 1994, most recently as chief deputy, and previously served as a task force officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Bethel University.
Crabtree, whose daughter is a Tech graduate, called the opportunity to serve as the university's chief safety officer "the chance of a lifetime."
In his new role, Crabtree will report directly to President Oldham and provide strategic vision across Tech's campus safety efforts – from chemical and lab safety to emergency preparedness and campus security.
Crabtree will oversee a leadership team of safety experts including University Police Chief Fred Nichols, Interim Environmental Health & Safety Director David Hobbs and Assistant Director of Education Safety Derek Woolbright, who serves in a shared role with Putnam County Schools and the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency.
"Tennessee Tech has built a strong culture of safety over many years, and that's a credit to President Oldham, Chief Nichols and the outstanding people already serving this campus," said Crabtree. "I'm honored to join that team and look forward to working alongside our university, local, state and federal partners to help ensure Tech remains among the safest university campuses in Tennessee."
Nichols, who has served with University Police since 2013, said Crabtree’s hire offers a powerful signal of the university’s commitment to student safety and will better equip each area within the new division to focus on its specialized mission.
"I've known Bob for many years, and I know his experience and leadership will be a tremendous asset to this campus," said Nichols. "This new model strengthens coordination across our public safety operations while empowering each department to continue serving our campus community at the highest level.”
Putnam County Emergency Management Director Brandon Smith also praised Crabtree’s appointment, and the team of professionals he will serve alongside.
“Bob Crabtree is the perfect person to lead Tennessee Tech’s new Campus Safety Division,” said Smith. "I've had the privilege of working alongside Bob, University Police Chief Fred Nichols, Interim EHS Director David Hobbs and our Assistant Director Derek Woolbright over the years, and I know firsthand the professionalism and dedication each of them brings to protecting our community. Tennessee Tech has assembled an outstanding team, and Putnam County Emergency Management looks forward to continuing our strong partnership with the university under Bob's leadership."
Crabtree's first day of service will be July 17.
Jonathan Franks