Dennis Franks of Pekin, Ill. will succeed Chuck Gantos as director of campus safety and police beginning March 26.
In the final days of the process, the search committee reviewed the remaining three applicants and considered the community’s reactions to the candidates. Members of the search committee said they believe they selected the best person for the job, said Gerald Whittington, senior vice president for business, finance and technology and head of the search committee for a new director.
“(Franks brings) energy, enthusiasm, experience (to Elon),” Whittington said. “He’s a veteran of law enforcement, he has good academic credentials — both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. He has a very warm and engaging personality as well.”
Franks currently serves as the deputy police chief at the Pekin Police Department. He has also served in many different areas of Pekin’s police force, including working as a patrolman, a detective lieutenant and a member of a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team. Franks said he is excited to come to Elon and is humbled to have been chosen by the committee out of more than 100 applicants.
[quote]I think his biggest strength is he is a person that’s going to care about the students,” Gantos said. “I really think he’s a people person, and I think he’s got great leadership qualities. Chuck Gantos, current director of campus safety and police.[/quote]
Franks said he looks forward to being able to work in an environment with college students like he did when he taught at Illinois Central College, a junior college in Illinois, in the criminal justice program. He said he enjoys discussing different opinions with students.
“I really think that’s one of the strengths I bring to the table, is just getting out and being able to talk to anybody about anything,” Franks said. “Whether we agree or disagree, it’s still good to have open lines of communication. You’re not always going to agree with everyone. You just have to be accepting of the fact that people have different opinions.”
Chuck Gantos, current director of campus safety and police, has been the director since the position was founded 16 years ago. Gantos said he thinks Franks will fit in with the culture of Elon and the community will be well-served with Franks as director.
“I think his biggest strength is he is a person that’s going to care about the students,” Gantos said. “I really think he’s a people person, and I think he’s got great leadership qualities. I think he’s a person who can take this department to the next level.”
Gantos, who will retire May 31, said he looks forward to coming back in about five years and being proud to have been part of the department. Franks said he knows his transition will be challenging, but feels Elon is a welcoming community and is excited to get started in his new position.
“I think that Chief Gantos is leaving big shoes to fill,” Franks said. “I look forward to the challenge of coming in and continuing on what I see as a good police department, helping continue that department on its path.”