WATERVILLE — Following an extensive nationwide search, Colby College has announced it is hiring the head of Maine State Police to take over as its director of security.

Maine State Police Chief Robert Williams has led the force for the past seven years to close out a law enforcement career spanning 33 years. He began as a trooper with the state police before finally being named colonel by Gov. Paul LePage in 2011. He will officially take over as security director for the college on March 12.

In a statement from the college, Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer Doug Terp said that “having a seasoned leader with experience in every aspect of protecting our communities will position Colby for continued strength,” especially at a time when security on college and university campuses has become increasingly complex.

“Bob also demonstrates a keen ability to build relationships, which is an important element of this role. We look forward to welcoming him to Colby,” Terp said in the release.

Williams will lead a staff of 40 employees at Colby and will manage and administer safety programming, facility security, compliance training, emergency preparedness and critical incident management.

“As a native of central Maine, I have watched Colby continue to rise,” Williams said in the release. “I am drawn to Colby’s commitment to excellence, something that I have continually worked toward as a member of the Maine State Police. After a full career in law enforcement, I am excited about the opportunity to interact with a whole new community.”

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Williams is a graduate of the University of Maine in Augusta and earned a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Husson University. He also attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. A resident of China, he is a longtime member of the Vassalboro Fire Department and has served on its board of directors since the early 1990s.

He began a career in law enforcement in 1983 as an officer in the Pittsfield Police Department. He later became a state trooper in Skowhegan for 11 years, rising to the rank of sergeant. He eventually became a lieutenant in the communications unit, and in 2000 rose to the rank of major. In 2007 he was named lieutenant colonel.

Colin Ellis — 861-9253

cellis@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @colinoellis


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