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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels August 9, 2004 Ngan leaving SOU security By Bill Choy Ashland Daily Tidings The life path that took Joey Ngan from being a theater major working at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to director of security & safety at Southern Oregon University is changing directions again. Ngan, 55, a 1973 SOU graduate who has worked at the security department full time since 1976, will officially leave his post Sept. 1. He will work on a part-time basis until December. Joey Ngan stands in front of Stevenson Union on the Southern Oregon University campus. Ngan will be stepping down as director of security at SOU after 19 years in the position. Andrew Mariman | Ashland Daily Tidings "I just felt this was the best time to leave," said Ngan, who has been security director since 1985. "I know I don't want to look back when I'm 75 and wonder what the world outside the university was like. It's like you raise your kids and it's time to do something for yourself. ... Life is a journey for me. Sometimes, when you're on your life path, you feel like, 'Let's try this different road for once.'" Ngan arrived at SOU in 1969 from Hong Kong to study theater arts. While attending SOU, he worked for the security department. Ngan said he had a long-time interest in law enforcement from watching the old television show "Highway Patrol" as a child. "I'd always found it interesting," Ngan said. "Law enforcement has always been something that stayed with me." After graduation, Ngan worked for two years at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival as an apprentice in their props and costume department. Ngan had planned on getting his masters degree in theater arts when he heard about a full-time security position at SOU. Instead of going to school, he took the job. "As with everything in my life, I'd got this feeling it was the right thing to do," he said. Ngan does not know exactly what he wants to do after he leaves SOU, but has come up with plenty of options, including continuing in law enforcement or doing something in the performing arts. He said cuts in the state's retirement program played a small part in his decision. Ngan also expressed a sense of accomplishment for leaving with good relations between SOU security and the Ashland Police Department. He said the agencies worth together closely and meet on a weekly basis to go through cases involving both the university and APD. "We realize we're both a vital part of this small community and we have to be on the same wavelength," Ngan said. This includes having members of the police department talk to freshmen each year about issues they may face, such as alcohol, drugs and abuse, both physical and sexual. APD Chief Mike Bianca stressed the importance of programs like this between SOU and the APD. "For some many of these students, they're strangers to the community, are focused on university life and don't think about dealing with the police department," he said. "If they get into these situations, this gives them an idea of services before they need them. It's an invaluable program." Bianca had nothing but praise for Ngan. "I'm going to miss Joey," he said. "If there's anyone who captures the essence of cooperation and a good attitude, it's my friend Joey. There's never any territory issues or any posturing. It's just an honest effort to provide safety to the community. It's refreshing." The past year has not been without challenges for Ngan and the security department. In April, it was revealed that a registered sex offender was a resident assistant at the university, before being moved to another position after student pressure. In early June, the university reported there were 10 reports of sexual assaults involving SOU students since April. This promoted the university to issue safety alerts, send e-mail warnings, post fliers and to schedule a presentation on sexual assault prevention. Despite these incidents, Lynnea Amend, staff manager for the SOU Women's Resource Center, has been pleased with how Ngan has worked with them. "Joey always has worked with the center and seems committed to student safety," she said. "He seems very concerned about women's safety on campus. The lines of communication always seemed to be open. I don't think there's been any lack of trying to stop it." Ngan said a constant challenge during his time at SOU was making sure services were met with tightening budgets. While having enough officers and other key goals were always met, Ngan said the department had to be creative about cuts, while still providing needed services. "It's always been about balancing your services," he said. "The public expects nothing less. You just have to be creative." One way to be creative for Ngan was to keep security vehicles for a longer period of time. The one currently driven on campus by Ngan was donated by Jefferson Public Radio. Its maximum speed is 45 mph, which is fine to get around SOU, he said. Ron Bolstad, the university's vice president for administration and finance, said SOU is searching for a replacement for Ngan. No date has been set. Ngan said he expects to stay in Ashland. He and his wife have a 19-year old daughter who goes to Oregon State University and a 16-year old daughter who attends Ashland High School. Ngan hopes to continues to be active at SOU in some capacity, he said. 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