Fulfilling his long-time career goal, Luis R. Santamaria has been chosen as Greenfield Community College's new Director of Campus Public Safety and begins his new position on February 9. Santamaria will oversee GCC's Campus Public Safety department and serve as GCC's Chief of Police. He leaves his position as Associate Director of Public Safety for Curry College in Milton, MA and replaces the former GCC Director who recently retired. Prior to his work at Curry College, Santamaria served as a Sergeant for Tufts University for nine years and as a Campus Police Officer at Simmons College and Officer in Charge at Western New England University.

Commenting on Santamaria's appointment, GCC Chief Financial Officer Tim Braim said, "We are fortunate to have someone of Santamaria's background with his experience in a college environment. This is a very important position that requires both broad skill and knowledge and the right personality. We received very positive feedback about Santamaria from GCC community members who attended the candidate public forums we held. He's a very friendly person who will communicate well with everyone and will be out and about, talking with students and staff. Santamaria is the right person to fit into the GCC campus community."

Eager to step into his new role, Santamaria said, "A long time ago, I chose campus law enforcement for my career because I really believe in higher education. This is my dream fulfilled and I am grateful to have the opportunity. It's exactly where I want to be. I'll be able to exercise everything I've learned and will be involved in the community, helping the Campus Public Safety department follow through on the College's mission statement. I will have an open door policy. I'm a good listener and I look forward to addressing the needs of the community."    Santamaria graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Western New England University in Springfield, MA and then went on to complete a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration there. He served as Vice President of his class at the Special State Police Academy. Santamaria holds EMT Certification and has certification as a MCJTC Sexual Assault Investigator, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Rape Aggression Defense Instructor. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Santamaria grew up in Hastings on Hudson near Yonkers, NY and went to college and graduate school in western Massachusetts. Santamaria's brother is currently in law school at Western New England University and he looks forward to living closer to his brother.

By Mary McClintock, '82