MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive has once again earned the distinction of being the Safest College Campus in North Carolina according to Niche’s 2025 Safest College Campuses rankings.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that UMO has held the top spot in the state.

Additionally, UMO was named the 9th safest campus in America, reflecting the university’s unwavering commitment to student safety and well-being.

Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Dan Sullivan attributed this success to the university’s close-knit community.

“We are a relatively small campus, and there are deep and meaningful relationships between faculty, staff, students, and the community,” Sullivan said. “Those things help to contribute to the overall safety of our campus.”

According to Niche, the rankings are determined using key statistics and student reviews, incorporating U.S. Department of Education data.

The safety ranking is important for many prospective students and their families when selecting a college or university.

“The safety of a campus should be one of the most important qualities of a college search,” Sullivan added. “All higher education institutions are required to complete and publish annual CLERY safety and fire stats. We have a long history of having minimal safety issues on campus.”

UMO’s commitment to safety extends beyond compliance.

Since 2016, the university has partnered with a third-party vendor to enhance campus security services.

“Our officers know the students and take time to develop relationships with them,” Sullivan said. “They are accessible and available at all times.”

In addition to their regular responsibilities, the Campus Safety team collaborates with faculty, staff, and students to implement safety programming.

Resident Assistants (RAs) also play an important role by hosting in-hall programs focusing on safety awareness and preparedness.

“One of the most positive aspects of our campus is how our entire community takes extra care in looking after one another,” Sullivan said. “Our community is vigilant in reporting issues and taking extra precautions to keep us all safe. I appreciate the efforts our Campus Safety staff have taken to serve our campus and keep us safe.”

This latest recognition highlights UMO’s dedication to fostering an environment where students can learn, live, and thrive with peace of mind.