Gerald Lewis Jr., a law-enforcement professional who has led public-safety departments at several universities, has been named Columbia’s vice president of public safety.
Lewis was previously the University of Connecticut’s top police officer; before that, he served as chief of police at the University of Texas at San Antonio and at East Carolina University. During his time at UT–San Antonio, Lewis was recognized as campus safety director of the year by Campus Safety magazine.
Prior to entering higher education, Lewis was a New Jersey State Police officer for twenty-six years, rising to commanding officer and chief spokesman of the department.
“Gerald brings to Columbia a relentless focus on safety and an unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community partnerships,” says David M. Greenberg ’14SPS, the executive vice president for University Facilities and Operations. “He will be a critical partner in the ongoing work of the Inclusive Public Safety Advisory Committee — which mirrors committees he founded at UT–San Antonio and the New Jersey State Police — while continuing to enhance the many safety resources available in and around our campuses.”
