Until now, the functions were distributed among multiple administrative areas on the campus. "This new position will coordinate functions that have historically been decentralized at Carolina. Safety-related incidents — both recent and in the past year — have made it clear that we need a central office to coordinate public safety and risk management across the entire University. This new reporting structure is a significant step in putting a greater emphasis on a comprehensive approach to campus safety," Guskiewicz says.

Battle has served in past roles as general counsel to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education and at Carolinas Healthcare System, where he provided legal counsel and advisory services for one of the nation’s largest public health care systems.

Guskiewicz added that Battle will "help us establish a University-wide enterprise risk management operation that will better position us to identify, assess, manage and mitigate risks that may impede the University’s academic mission or strategic objectives. In addition, George will be responsible for conventional risk management functions, including insurance and emergency planning, and all aspects of campus safety."