Staff Spotlight: Scott Wanzer

Scott Wanzer became JBU campus safety director in 2011 after serving 27 years as a ranked officer for the Tulsa Police Department. As an administrator, Wanzer supervises nine campus safety officers and oversees daily field issues that include calls about disturbance or suspicious persons. In a profession faced with the dark side of humanity that often focuses on people’s wrongdoings, Wanzer believes his duty extends further than keeping students, faculty and staff safe. He believes in the well-being of their spiritual lives as children of God who are called to honor and glorify God in everything they do.

What are the greatest challenges of this position?

1. Keeping the community vigilant — I’ve seen a lot of ugly scenes, so I know the potential of a situation. I want people to continue to be mindful about their surroundings without alarming them or creating fear.  
2. Gaining cooperation vs. compliance —Municipal police officers don’t have time for cooperation; they want compliance, which is impersonal and can be forceful. It takes more time to talk or connect with a person to gain cooperation. I don’t just want compliance, I want cooperation, which can be a challenge. But it’s worth the effort.
3. Staffing — Obviously the more campus safety officers we have the easier our job is. But we don’t want to unnecessarily burden the budget and students' tuition. It’s a delicate balance.
   

What are three safety Tips you have for JBU students?

1. Have personal awareness — Pay attention to your surroundings, be wise and use caution.
2. Don’t go alone; go with someone — There’s safety in numbers.
3. Mentally rehearse or role-play a situation — Ask yourself those "what-if" questions; think about how you might handle a situation.

What are three things that bring you joy?

1. Spending time with my family.
2. Seeing people connecting and growing with the Lord.
3. Having formative conversations with students. 

What are the differences between a campus safety officer and a municipal police officer?

1. Unfortunately, many contacts with police officers have a negative context, such as
   being a victim of a crime or getting a ticket. That can influence people’s perception of contact with a campus safety officer, but we are able to have a more enjoyable role here in our campus community.
2. Over the last seven years, we have not initiated physical custody of anyone. However, municipal police officers do on a regular basis.
3. Because we are a private entity, we don’t have roles or duties that municipal police officers are mandated to perform.

What are the rewards of being in this position?

1. Seeing students grow and mature.
2. Watching our community take care of each other and keep each other safe.
3. Personally, being able to be a part of this community.
   

What are three principles you want to instill in students?

1. Stickman Theology — It’s so easy for us to do things in our own flesh and strength and to try harder. God wants us to do things with him.
2. Presence/Pray without ceasing — Praying isn’t just talking and listening, but it’s being present with God at all times.
3. Transformation — Our motive of obedience to Scripture needs to come from a transformed heart. As we spend time with the Lord through  the word, prayer and community, we become more like Christ.

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