Andy Yocum, CPP, CHPP, joined Illinois Tech as Director of Public Safety on August 7. He comes to Illinois Tech with more than 19 years of experience in the fire service, security, and law enforcement fields and has worked at three university campuses prior to Illinois Tech. Andy began his career in public safety with the Dunlap Fire Protection District in 1998, reaching the rank of lieutenant and attaining state certifications as an EMT, firefighter, and fire investigator. Andy was a police officer for the American University Police Department in Washington, D.C. for seven years, rising through the ranks to police sergeant. At AU, Andy was instrumental in developing the department’s crisis intervention officer (CIO) program, training police officers to respond appropriately to situations involving individuals in crisis.

He also served in Public Safety roles at University of Wisconsin, Madison and most recently at University Center in downtown Chicago. Andy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Justice and Law from American University, the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) board certification from ASIS International and the Certified Homeland Protection Professional (CHPP) board certification through the National Sheriff’s Association/Global Society of Homeland and National Security Professionals.

Andy will lead Public Safety from their new offices on the first floor of 3424 South State Street, also known as Tech Central.