Williams Baptist College has hired Joseph “Bubba” Blackwood as its new director of police and campus safety. Blackwood, who is a Northeast Arkansas native, has over 20 years of law enforcement experience, most recently as the captain of the narcotics division with the Walnut Ridge Police Department.

“My interest in law enforcement came at very early age around five or six. I always said it’s what I would do when I grew up, and it’s what I love. I have family that were, and still are, in law enforcement. It’s a passion and it’s not for everyone, but if it fits you, it’s all you want to do,” noted Blackwood.

Blackwood’s experience covers the region, as he spent time with the Hoxie and Pocahontas police departments before settling in at Walnut Ridge as a patrolman and K-9 officer, and eventually becoming the captain of narcotics.

“We are excited to have Bubba serve as our new director of police and campus safety at Williams Baptist College,” said Dr. Jeremy Dutschke, vice president for enrollment management and student services at Williams. “He possesses a wealth of experience in law enforcement that will be very valuable as our department continues to grow and develop. Bubba’s established relationship with Walnut Ridge will also be a great asset as we continue to work closely with other local agencies to keep the WBC campus and and surrounding community safe.”

Blackwood and his wife, Lavesta, have two sons.

Walnut Ridge is a four-year, liberal arts college in Walnut Ridge.