Assistant Vice President of Campus Safety, David Hay, has left Asbury. Oct. 31 was Hay’s last day. Hay had been head of security since March of 2014. Students may have seen Hay patrolling campus or recognize his name from the various emails from Campus Safety regarding safety updates, weather and drills.
Prior to his time at Asbury, Hay worked as a captain in charge of a specialty investigations unit in Frankfort, KY. for the Kentucky State Police. In this position, he mainly worked with a team to support law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in preparing for trial. His job focused on justice for victims and their families through documentation and analysis of crimes.
His switch to Asbury in 2014 took him out of the world of criminal justice. But he came into another working environment where he was able to use his skills in a different way.
Hay noted that the most difficult time in his job was providing safety during the Outpouring of February 2023, but that he leaned on those around him to excel. Hay reflected, “I had great support from my colleagues, the Wilmore Police Department, the Wilmore Fire Department, the Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office, as well as multiple other law enforcement officers, medics and support personnel. It was a team effort and my experience working with an incident command structure was very helpful in working with the public safety agencies.”
Hay said Asbury has provided a space for him to refocus his faith, which has impacted him and his family personally, as well as given him a more robust and grounded spiritual life that will last well beyond Asbury. He attributes this growth to not only the school, but to the students.
“It’s been a pleasure to watch students grow in their relationship to Christ as they pursue knowledge and wisdom,” Hay remarked. “It’s so great to see how God blesses students in their lives and when you can get updates on what they are doing and how they are serving after they graduate. It’s been an amazing journey.”
Moving forward, Hay began at the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet on Nov. 1, where he is now the Director of Training at the Department of Criminal Justice Training in Richmond, KY.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what God is going to do as I move into this position. I know that is the only way I can be successful! As I leave my role in leading Campus Safety, I pray students receive grace when they need it and offer grace to others as they follow God’s best plan for their lives.”
Until Hay’s position is permanently filled, according to the university, Assistant Director of Campus Safety Eric Walsh will serve as interim head of security.
