Guilford has not had a director of public safety since the beginning of this school year. But that will change on Monday, Nov. 11, when Reginald Hayes comes to Guilford. “I think students will be receptive to him. He has a good demeanor,” said Dean of Campus Life, Anne Lundquist. “He will fit in well at Guilford.”

Ludquist, John Jenkins and Community Senate Vice President Tamara Asad were members of the committee that decided to offer Hayes the position. Jenkins is the Associate CFO for Facilites.

Hayes, who is a part time volunteer basketball coach at the Guilford YMCA, has over 20 years of experience in community corrections.

Hayes has been involved with many organizations, including the Violent Crime Task Force of Greensboro and the Center for Community Safety in Winston Salem.

Before coming to Guilford, Hayes worked as the Director of the Guilford County Day Reporting Restitution Center. There, Hayes headed a small staff and was responsible for overall operation and administration.

Most recently, Hayes has directed the Fatherhood Connection Program at the Association for the Benefit of Child Development.

“Hayes is a caring person with a background in this community,” said John Jenkins.

“He has more of an educational approach to student behavior, not punitive,” said Lundquist. “He believes in teaching community standards to prevent incidents.”

With tensions rising between students and the new Allied Security, Hayes’ presence and demeanor could have a positive impact on the Guilford community.

“Last year, security seemed like friends. I even watched the World Series with a security guard,” said sophomore Adam Joseph. “That would never happen this year.”

Lundquist indicated that she was happy the vacency for a director of public safety had been filled. “It has been taxing not having a head of security.. That is a position I work closely with. His presence will unify the staff and provide leadership to the new security,” said Lundquist.

“The school has been going through lots of changes, with the hiring of lots of new staff,” said Jenkins. “I think Hayes will be a real asset.”

Hayes replaces Sylvia Chillcott who headed Guilfod security for eight years. Chillcott resigned to take a similar position at Catawba College, her alma mater.

“Not having a head of security has been a real handful,” said Jenkins. “We look forward to having Hayes.”