National award honors UFPD’s Chief as a ‘Champion for Change’

University of Florida’s Police Department Chief Linda Stump-Kurnick has been honored as a ‘Champion for Change’ by The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4). The organization recently presented Stump with its first annual Champion for Change award for her successful efforts to expand security measures at UF.

The ‘Champion of Change’ Award recognizes individuals’ ability and commitment to bring about positive change in the sports safety and security industry. Through progressive leadership, this individual’s achievements have made a difference to organizational effectiveness and led the organization forward into the future. 

Among the reasons cited for the award were initiating security changes across UF since July 2003 to maintain the safety of more than 50,000 students on campus; implementing the clear bag policy for Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, home of the Florida Gators football team; and overseeing implementation of required background screenings checks for all event personnel at all major events and enhanced perimeter protection to assure full police and emergency vehicle access.

“Chief Stump’s contributions to the field have made an impact beyond her immediate role by challenging the status quo and inspiring meaningful change,” said NCS4 Director Lou Marciani. “We could not be more proud of her and the entire police department at the University of Florida on their achievements.”

The NCS4 award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated their ability and commitment to bring about positive change in the sports safety and security industry through progressive leadership -- exactly what Stump embodies.

“I'm honored to be the first winner of this national recognition,” said Chief Stump. “My ultimate priority is to the safety of the up to 90,000 fans who come to enjoy games at the on-campus stadium, and it is nice to be recognized as a leader in the sports security community.”

Stump, an Indiana native, holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Ball State University, a Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration from Purdue University and is also a graduate from Florida and Indiana Law Enforcement Academies and the FBI National Academy. Additionally, she completed a First Crisis Leadership in Higher Education course at Harvard University. Stump’s extensive law enforcement experience allowed her to thrive at UF, ultimately becoming the first female chief at a public university.