Paul Dennis’ ’91 office in Smith Hall is located in the same place his college dorm was. “I look out at the view of the track field, where my journey began, and I’m reminded of how God chose Azusa Pacific University to fill me with knowledge, build me up for the world, and return with a purpose,” he said. As the executive officer of the Department of Campus Safety, Dennis exudes faithfulness, enthusiasm, and a commitment to do his best in order to ensure students can thrive in a safe environment.
Born in Huddersfield, England, Dennis spent the first eight years of his life in the countryside. He cherishes memories of running around open fields, playing lots of sports, and enjoying tea time in the afternoon. “My mother was Jamaican, and my father Grenadian. They met in England, seeking a better life,” he said. Dennis’ mother pursued a nursing career in the U.S. and later was reunited with her son in Los Angeles. He arrived with a British accent and little understanding of American culture, but soon grew to call Southern California home.
Dennis attended Covina High School, where he devoted much of his time to playing basketball and running track and field. He learned about APU through his basketball coach, Gary West ’82. Dennis was introduced to APU athletes throughout his high school career, and was especially inspired by four-time Olympian Innocent Egbunike ’85. When Dennis earned a track and field scholarship, he was eager for what the future held at APU.
Dennis recalls his undergraduate years fondly. He studied psychology, was a member of four national championship Track and Field Teams, and met his wife, who also ran track. “Between the friendly atmosphere, and wide support from faculty and staff, being a student at APU were some of the favorite years of my life. I hope students know that people here genuinely care about each of them,” Dennis said. “We want students to succeed and enjoy their time here.”
After graduating, Dennis worked for the Azusa Police Department (APD) for 27 years. “I didn’t seek out the job; rather it found me,” he said. Originally hoping to become a correctional counselor in one of the state prisons, Dennis applied for state jobs, but was turned down for not having enough experience yet. Dennis found work in a city jail, and quickly learned that it was not his calling. Fortunately, he had met many police officers through that job, leading Dennis to discover where he was meant to be. “I was drawn to how much time police officers spend outside, as well as the fact that they must have a degree of physical readiness. Since I’ve always loved sports and fitness, it turned out to be what I loved.”
Dennis worked a variety of assignments throughout his time as a police officer. He was a patrol officer, worked on the SWAT team for 17 years (leading it for nine of those years), and served in the detective bureau. Dennis was a corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, and became a captain in 2016. “Being a police officer is rewarding because in many ways, especially as a detective, you pour yourself into figuring out a case with the benefit of trying to help someone, bringing them closure,” he said. In 2018, Dennis retired from APD.
Throughout his time with the police department, Dennis remained in contact with many friends and mentors he had met at APU. Dennis’ former track coach, Terry Franson, encouraged him to return to APU to lead Campus Safety. For the past six years Dennis has given back to the place that shaped and transformed him. “I’m blessed to be in a position where I work with a team of amazing people, collaborating with stakeholders across the university to create a vision for safety that exceeds the present, and lasts into the future,” he said.
The biggest thing I want students to know about Campus Safety is that we truly strive to contribute to their success, not just by keeping you safe, but by being cheerleaders along your journey.
Dennis’ 27 years with APD equipped him with an understanding of the city and safety itself, allowing him to serve APU to the best of his potential.
“As an 18-year-old, I thought I would come to APU for college and that would be all. I can now say with confidence that God introduced me to the city of Azusa 38 years ago with a purpose that is vividly clear now.”