Lynn University appointed John McAvoy as its chief of campus safety and security. He oversees a team of officers responsible for providing 24/7 campus safety and ensuring the wellbeing of students, employees and guests.

“Chief McAvoy brings decades of law enforcement experience from serving the New York Police Department and university campuses, making him highly skilled in crime prevention and emergency management,” said Dr. Anthony Altieri, vice president for student affairs.

Prior to joining Lynn, McAvoy served as chief of police at Shepherd University. He joined the NYPD in 1985 and was promoted to sergeant by the time he was 24 years old. During his time with the NYPD, McAvoy was among the rescue and recovery teams who worked tirelessly to help the victims and families of the attacks on the World Trade Center towers. He later retired to become the assistant director of campus safety at Herkimer County Community College. He said he joined higher education because he enjoys interacting with students and playing a role in the positive choices that they make.

“Seeing what Lynn is like at full speed with the hustle and bustle of students is what I’m looking forward to the most this upcoming year,” said McAvoy.

He encourages situational awareness and offers the safety tip, “Trust your senses. That doesn’t just go for students, it goes for everyone. If an individual seems off or a situation feels unsafe, it is best to report it than to be sorry later.”

McAvoy earned his bachelor’s degree from Ashford University with a focus on homeland security and emergency management. He has a wife, Jeanne, and four kids, Lorie, Thomas, Kevin and Birhanu who is adopted from Ethiopia. He also has three grandchildren and loves to travel during his free time.

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