Lincoln College and Lincoln Police Department open doors for communication and cooperation within our community

 

[October 05, 2020] 

Lincoln Police Chief Paul Adams and Doctor Donna Bradley of Lincoln College have been working to build bridges within the community since this spring. Dr. Bradley is slated to take on the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs in January.

At the beginning of the fall session at Lincoln College, Lincoln Police Officers helped during move-in day. It was a positive experience as officers got to meet some of the students.

Over lunch, this past Wednesday, Logan County Sheriff Mark Landers, LPD Deputy Chief Matthew Vlahovich,  Alderman Ron Keller and Adams met with eight LC students, Dr. Bradley, Saint Rice and the new College Security Director Jermaine Wallace at the Lincoln Police Station.

The group participated in a round table discussion about building relationships with key students and learning to understand one another better.

Some of the significant issues discussed involved steps to deal with racism, diversity, challenges in recruiting, cultural misunderstandings, and building community relationships.

"I hope to continue these talks and to integrate our businesses and community into these roundtables to discuss these issues openly and honestly," said Adams. "I feel we made some good progress in ways Lincoln College students can intertwine with our community. We must stop looking at the negative and look at the positive that these students want to do in our community. We had some good ideas on internships and being part of our local youth with coaching and mentoring."

"Although some Facebook feeds are doom and gloom, we have to start really communicating and being part of factual conversations. Taking the time to put ourselves in the other's shoes to understand how our actions can affect others," continued Adams. "I feel we have a much deeper understanding after the three-hour conversation. I feel I can trust these student to help be part of a great solution!"

[Chief Paul Adams]