UMO Ranked Among Nation’s Safest College Campuses

MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive has been ranked the safest college campus in North Carolina for the sixth consecutive year by Niche.

UMO also placed among the top 2 percent of college campuses nationally in Niche’s 2026 Safest College Campuses rankings, according to the university.

Niche develops its rankings using statistics and student reviews, including information from the U.S. Department of Education.

Dr. Dan Sullivan, UMO senior vice president for student affairs, said campus safety is a shared responsibility among employees, students and the university’s Campus Safety staff.

“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.”

UMO said it has used a third-party vendor for campus security services since 2016. The university also has a campus siren system for emergency notifications and conducts safety and preparedness programs involving students, faculty and staff.

Resident Assistants also provide safety and preparedness programming within campus residence halls.

Sullivan said having Campus Safety personnel who are visible and accessible to students is an important part of the university’s approach.

“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.”

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists.