IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724.738.4854

gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

SRU selects Holmes as interim public safety operations leader

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – A Pittsburgh Police Department sergeant who is past-president of the Slippery Rock University Alumni Association was picked by SRU President Robert Smith to lead the University’s public safety operations while a national search is under way.

            Eric Holmes, a 1993 SRU graduate, will assume his post as interim director effective immediately.

            “Eric has a wealth of experience in law enforcement and knows and loves Slippery Rock University. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with his leadership skills and police background moving our program forward while we conduct a national search for permanent leadership,” Smith said.

            Holmes has been a Pittsburgh city police officer for 10 years, working in the K-9, narcotics and vice divisions. He also teaches at the Pittsburgh Police Academy and the Allegheny County Police Academy.

            Holmes interest in public safety goes back to his days as a resident adviser at SRU, where he majored in communication. He was also a volunteer firefighter in Penn Hills.

            “While at SRU I learned how to communicate with people, how to deal with situations, how to work as a team player, and the importance of giving back to the community. I feel privileged to be able to step in and help the University in this interim capacity. The police at SRU do an outstanding job of keeping the campus safe. I look forward to working with the department and all its partners to promote campus and community safety,” Holmes said.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.