Campus Safety Welcomes New Chief

William (Bill) Boyd III, chief of campus safety at Westmont, served for more than 20 years with the Scott County Sheriff's Department in Iowa before joining the college’s staff in November 2016. His extensive law enforcement background helped Westmont respond effectively to the Thomas Fire in December 2017 and the Santa Barbara Mudslide, January 9, 2018.

“He is a winsome, dedicated, knowledgeable servant who has displayed his commitment to the community since his first day here,” says Tom Beveridge, director of physical plant.

Boyd takes over for Tom Bauer, who served at his alma mater for 45 years. “Tom is not retiring but will continue in a part-time role,” Beveridge says. “We’ll take advantage of his expertise in several important and complex campus safety areas.”

Boyd has worked to secure grants and other funding toward the installation of additional security cameras on campus. “It’s important to have complete coverage across campus, including parking lots, to keep students safe,” Boyd says. Under his leadership, the campus has increased and improved signage and hired additional staff instead of contract workers to cover overnight shifts. “Campus safety seeks to be more visible and approachable,” Boyd says. “We’re here to help students. When Westmont employees work at night, we can better to reach out to them, talk to them personally and develop friendships.”

In Iowa, Boyd also served as a youth pastor overseeing a territory that included Wyoming and Nebraska. “It’s wonderful to be in a Christian setting where the students have a strong biblical understanding and response to the Gospel,” he says. “Being around them and worshipping together in chapel increases my faith.”

Boyd lives in Ventura with his wife, Karen, who works for Santa Barbara County Fire, and two sons William IV (16) and Nathan (12).