ADRIAN, MI (Toledo News Now) - As high schools and colleges get back in the swing of things with a new school year, security is always a big concern. Adrian College is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep their students out of harm's way.
Adrian College President Dr. Jeffrey R. Docking says the college takes security very seriously.
"I tell parents the second most important thing we do with their kids is to educate them," said Dr. Docking. "The first most important thing obviously is to keep them safe."
The Board of Trustees approved $500,000 in upgrades to the college's security system. Adrian's Director of Campus Safety Wade Beitelschies says there are about 100 video cameras spread out throughout the campus.
"We don't have too many problems but it's always better to be safe than sorry," said Beitelschies. "I think it gives them a piece of mind that we have that technology and have it at our disposal."
In addition to the cameras electronic access controls have been installed in the buildings. Adrian College senior Madeleine Gatchell says the added security has made her feel that much safer.
"I've personally never felt unsafe," said Gatchell. "I've never heard of any problems we've had, but with the update in the security system I think it's a really great thing. It gives us that extra comfort."
Adrian College is welcoming their second largest freshman class ever with 580 students enrolled at the college for the upcoming school year. College freshman Madalynn Beach says there are a variety of reasons why she decided on the college.
"I really like the campus and when I was younger, two of my babysitters came here," said Beach. "And so I hung a little bit over here. I really, really liked it."
Freshman Megan Taylor says the academics are what drew her.
"I wanted to do something art related," said Taylor. "And here they have art therapy which is not a very popular thing being offered at colleges and they also have art education."
President Dr. Docking says a total of 1700 students attend Adrian College and this is the eighth consecutive year the entering freshman class has more than 500 students in it.
"We are in the top 20 largest growing universities in the United States right now over the past 10 years," said Dr. Docking. "Which is a nice distinction for us to have."
Classes at Adrian College begin on Monday August 25.
