MOUNT OLIVE, NC — For the sixth consecutive year, the University of Mount Olive (UMO) has been named the Safest College Campus in North Carolina in Niche’s 2026 Safest College Campuses rankings. UMO also ranks among the top 2% of safest college campuses nationwide.
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Dan Sullivan said the continued recognition reflects the University’s shared commitment to creating a safe and supportive campus environment.
“Campus safety is something our entire community contributes to every day,” Sullivan said. “Our faculty, staff, students, and Campus Safety team are intentional about looking out for one another. That sense of responsibility and care is an important part of what makes Mount Olive such a special place.”
Niche develops its rankings using a combination of key statistics and student reviews, including data from the U.S. Department of Education. Campus safety can be an important consideration for prospective students and families as they evaluate colleges and universities.
“Families want to know that their students will be in an environment where they can feel secure and supported,” Sullivan said. “We take that responsibility seriously, and our safety record over the years reflects the commitment our campus has made to maintaining that environment.”
UMO’s approach to campus safety goes beyond required reporting and procedures. Since 2016, the University has partnered with a third-party vendor to strengthen campus security services and maintain an accessible presence across campus.
“One of the strengths of our Campus Safety team is the relationships they build with students,” Sullivan said. “They are visible, approachable, and available when students need them. That personal connection makes a real difference on a campus like ours.”
The University also continues to evaluate and strengthen its emergency preparedness efforts. A campus siren system provides an additional method for quickly communicating during emergencies and supports the University’s broader safety and response procedures.
Campus safety is also a collaborative effort. The Campus Safety team works with faculty, staff, and students on safety programming throughout the year, while Resident Assistants (RAs) provide programs within residence halls focused on awareness and preparedness.
“The safest campuses are places where people pay attention and are willing to speak up when something doesn’t seem right,” Sullivan said. “We are fortunate to have a community that takes care of one another, and I’m grateful for the work our Campus Safety staff and the entire campus community do to help keep UMO safe.”
UMO’s continued recognition reflects an ongoing effort to provide students with a safe and supportive environment in which to live, learn, and grow.
For more information about UMO’s rankings, visit Niche’s University of Mount Olive profile.
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