Work began in earnest for Jeff Hodges, the new chief of security at Skyline College, who has taken over the position that has been open since the interim chief of security resigned back in July 2006.

Hodges’ is now added to the list of new acquisitions Skyline College has made this year, in addition to the new interim Dean of Athletics, Joe Morello.

A San Mateo Community College District alumnus, Hodges attended College of San Mateo for three years and received two Associates in Science degrees, one being in administrative justice. While he was attending College of San Mateo, he worked with their security team and is looking forward to working within SMCCCD again.

“I am coming back home, so to speak,” Hodges said, “I’m very excited.”

At the age of 47, he has had a very extensive career in law enforcement, having worked with several colleges around the bay area, including Stanford University, Santa Clara University, and as a deputy Sheriff for the Peralta community college district. Hodges simultaneously worked for the Alameda County Sheriffs department where he will soon retire after 26 years of service.

“My career in law enforcement has been great,” he said.

After his first week on the job at Skyline, Hodges says he is still on a learning curve; getting to know all of the new people in his unit as well as the faculty, evaluating what goes on at the campus, and preparing for the meetings he has to attend.

“It’s been busy, but it has been great,” he said, “Everyone has been very welcoming.”

Hodges wants to make the security department more accessible for everyone. However, he doesn’t plan on making any dramatic changes unless he feels it’s necessary. He intends to combine his input and expertise with the current staff’s knowledge to improve the security department.

“I want to come in here and find out how it has been going and get my feet wet,” he said, “I would like to make this the finest unit on all of the college campuses.”