Erskine ranked safest college campus in South Carolina
Niche, a college search site designed for high school students, recently ranked Erskine College as the safest college campus in South Carolina. Niche’s methodology considers multiple factors, mainly from the U.S. Department of Education, and takes into account campus crime rates, local crime grades, and student surveys, among other factors.
“I am pleased to receive this first-place ranking. It is reassuring to families to know their loved ones will be safe on campus,” says Erskine President Dr. Steve Adamson. “I commend our safety leaders for this accolade.”
Chief of Erskine College Police Department (ECPD) Matthew Busby says much credit for Erskine’s high level of safety goes to the strategic partnerships ECPD has built on and off campus. The department actively engages the campus community by working with student organizations and residence life as well as by conducting safety education.
“Our officers also collaborate with other local, state, and federal law enforcement to ensure that the broader community’s safety network is robust,” Busby says. He and the other ECPD officers are trained as state constables and participate in continuing education to maintain certifications. Busby himself has spent 20 years in Emergency Medical Services, contributing to the medical safety of the community.
“Our police officers are not just enforcers,” he says. “They’re educators, protectors, and partners with the student body.”
Busby also applauds Erskine’s administration for its commitment to safety through enhanced technology and emergency preparedness.
Senior Director of Enrollment Gabe Hollingsworth says that campus safety is a key factor in many students’ college decisions.
“I am thrilled that Erskine has been highly ranked by Niche as a safe campus community,” he says. “The peaceful academic village of Due West offers students a safe place to think, grow, learn, and develop.”
For Busby and the other officers of ECPD, campus safety is a commitment. “This isn’t just a job for us,” he says. “It’s a shared mission to protect and serve.”
Shown in photo at top, taken at Erskine’s 2023 commencement, are, from left, ECPD Officer Justin Smith, who also serves in fire and safety and as an EMT; Reles Littleton ’24, then a Campus Patrol Team volunteer, who assisted with event security, served as a firefighter and EMT for Due West Fire & Rescue, and now serves as a firefighter and EMT in Clinton; South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient; Alex Hesslegrave ’24, then a Campus Patrol Team volunteer, who assisted with event security and serves as a firefighter and EMR for Due West Fire & Rescue; ECPD Chief Matthew Busby; and ECPD Sergeant Daniel Woodson.
