Security's Most Influential People in Security 2019 - Jeff Karpovich
Chief/Director of Security & Transportation at High Point University
At High Point University in High Point, N.C., Chief Karpovich inherited one department and 12 employees and has built four more departments (Transportation, Parking, Safety & EM) with 130 employees. His efforts to develop and implement a progressive and professional security program have created a safe and secure campus that attracts prospective students and families.
“I am most proud of building the HPU protection and transportation programs,” he says. “My program’s growth, along with the university’s, is historic and will never be replicated. I’m proud to have played a role in its success.”
Karpovich exemplifies the university’s mission by leading by example: he is a Panther (athletic) Club member and one of the first people to purchase season tickets for the university’s new basketball arena. He contributes to the annual Engage (HPU scholarship) campaign. He was also the first person to donate his body to the new HPU Willed Body program. He routinely donates blood during the university’s community blood drive, is a perennial United Way “Leadership” donor, volunteers at one of the city’s food banks and is a past, county MADD president.
Outside of High Point University, Karpovich is a former ASIS Chapter Chair; current ASIS Region 4B Vice President; ASIS Law Enforcement Liaison 2nd Vice Chair and School Security Committee Chair; ASIS School Security & Safety Council member and Professional Certification Board Liaison; and National Association of Campus Safety Administrators Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Security magazine editorial advisory board.
He takes pride in nurturing and promoting talent. All but one of his seven captains/majors began their careers as an HPU security officer. Karpovich also started the Student Patrol program that trains and selects Criminal Justice majors who receive real-world experience. Always with an eye to cost savings, Karpovich utilized the grey uniforms formally worn by the campus security force.
He supports the North Carolina Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (NCACLEA), and he assists his team members with co-writing conference presentations and industry print articles. His mantra is prominently displayed in the department’s corridor: LEARN. LAUGH. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
“My career advice is to get involved in professional associations early on,” he says. “Networking is key, especially for the neophytes. It’s been nearly 30 years since my first security/safety management role, yet I still have clear and fond memories of each and every security/safety professional who paved a path for me.”
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