PHILIPPI, W.Va.—January 9, 2020—Alderson Broaddus University students, faculty, and staff will be returning for the start of the spring semester to a few new additions on the mountaintop. In response to a campus-wide study indicating a need for change, new lighting upgrades will give AB’s on-campus security officers a helping hand in keeping the University community safe.

During the 2019 spring semester, the Director of Campus Safety & Security Matthew Sisk conducted a comprehensive lighting study with the help of criminal justice intern Quinten Fletcher. The University was divided into 14 zones and measured for lighting in relation to student traffic patterns.

“Alderson Broaddus University is home to and serves more than 900 students and nearly 300 faculty and staff members,” said Sisk. “Prevention is key. We are acting on all the insights and recommendations made by our students and the campus community.”

The study indicted four zones, frequented by students, as areas in need of the most improvement. The data collected is analyzed by the University President, cabinet members, and a council of select students, faculty, and staff members.

Alderson Broaddus University President Dr. James “Tim” Barry said the improvements were made in response to students’ feedback on campus safety topics and are a way to address the lighting needs throughout campus. 

“The safety of every member of the AB community is our top priority,” said Dr. Barry. “Our highly motivated and trained staff works diligently to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our students in a safe and secure environment.” 

Improved and additional lighting has been installed in areas surrounding Whitescarver Hall, Benedum and Priestly residence halls, and near the former Broaddus Hospital. Solar lighting will be installed in various areas, and a master plan is in the works to address further needs.

Campus Safety & Security is charged with responding to all types of emergency and non-emergency events, as well as enforcing University parking regulations. Alderson Broaddus University Campus Safety & Security Department officials can be reached 24 hours per day, seven days per week in the event of an emergency, by dialing (304) 709-2696 from a cell phone or landline.

About Alderson Broaddus University

Alderson Broaddus (AB) University is a private, four-year institution of higher education located on a historic hilltop in Barbour County in Philippi, West Virginia. Since its founding in 1871, AB has been a leader and innovator in higher education, with accolades in the health and natural sciences.

AB stands out as one of the most innovative health education providers in Appalachia, pioneering the nation’s first baccalaureate physician assistant program of its kind in 1968, the first post-baccalaureate physician assistant master’s degree program in 1990, and West Virginia’s first four-year nursing program in 1945.

For more information, visit www.ab.edu.