Linda J. Stump-Kurnick, University of Florida Chief of Police, received the inaugural “Champion of Change” Award from The University of Southern Mississippi’s National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) at the National Intercollegiate Athletics Safety and Security Summit in Orlando, Florida, on January 16, 2018.

The “Champion of Change” Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated their ability and commitment to bring about positive change in the sports safety and security industry. Stump-Kurnick is the first female police chief at a state of Florida public university. Under her direction, many new safety and security measures have been implemented at the University of Florida, including a clear-bag policy for stadium events, requiring background screenings of all event personnel, and enhancing perimeter protection by closing roadways around the stadium for police and emergency medical services use.

"I'm honored to be the first winner of this national recognition," said Chief Stump in an NCS⁴ article. "My ultimate priority is to the safety of the up to 90,000 fans who come to enjoy games at the on-campus stadium, and it is nice to be recognized as a leader in the sports security community."

“Chief Stump’s contributions to the field have made an impact beyond her immediate role by challenging the status quo and inspiring meaningful change,” said NCS⁴ Director Lou Marciani. “We could not be prouder of her and the entire police department at the University of Florida on their achievements.”

For more information about NCS⁴, visit here.