Worcester Polytechnic Institute Police has named Officer Olivia Kephart as the department’s new LGBTQIA+ liaison, a role intended to strengthen communication and relationships between police and members of the campus community.
Kephart serves as a resource for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff and visitors and provide a direct point of contact for people with questions or concerns involving the department, according to an announcement from WPI Police.
The position also has a broader community-outreach component. Kephart is expected to work with student organizations and other campus partners, participate in events and provide educational outreach while assisting members of the WPI community as needed.
The department said the liaison program is designed to provide an approachable connection to campus police while helping build trust and encourage communication.
In announcing the appointment, WPI Police said Kephart is “committed to promoting safety, inclusion, and mutual respect across the WPI community.”
The liaison role adds another avenue for students and others who may want to contact campus police outside of an emergency or traditional law-enforcement interaction.
Kephart can be reached through the WPI Police Department at 508-831-5433 or by email at okephart@wpi.edu.
