Tony Eigner takes the helm of NGU safety and security
Avery McGrail, News Editor
There’s a new sheriff in town.
North Greenville University hired Tony Eigner to be the new head of Safety & Security on campus, and he has already made a big first impression.
If you were to step into his office, you would meet a man with a demeanor perfectly balanced between kind-hearted openness and razor-sharp focus. This is in large part due to his 27 years of service in various parts of law enforcement, from patrolman all the way up to administration.
“I enjoyed the hands-on work early in my career,” Eigner said, “but I am very fortunate and blessed to be where I am today.” He plans to use his experiences to make North Greenville a stronger and safer community.
Eigner’s well-roundedness is apparent in his acumen for music. Music has been a part of his life nearly from birth, as he and his siblings inherited their singing and instrument-playing abilities from their father.
Eigner attended college on a vocal scholarship, singing tenor. This may come as a surprise to those who hear his deep, bass-like voice, but just like in his professional career, Eigner’s range is impressive.
Eigner’s goal for the NGU Safety & Security department is instill both a sense of professionalism and community.
“What I want to bring to North Greenville, first off is professionalism.” Elgner said. “One thing I have learned after 27 years on the job is that officers represent their organization very openly. I want my officers to look the part, to help students feel more secure as they go around campus.”
“I want to make sure we make NGU feel like a safe community. I want our team to be a community that can trust each other, and I want the school to be a community that can trust us.”
Several heroes have inspired Eigner to become the man he is today. His father set the example early in Eigner’s life, as well as Eigner’s grandmother, whom he holds in very high esteem. Outside of his family, Eigner looks to Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. for inspiration, claiming him to be a succinct and powerful example of what a leader should be.
Eigner was very adamant that students know that they are always welcome in his office. “My door is always open. Whether you have a campus security question, or just want to talk about life, you’ll have a place to do that here.”
One of Eigner’s defining characteristics is his intentionality. He has met with the NGU football team to introduce himself to them and has perused throughout the NGU academic departments to make himself familiar to staff and students.
Lara Eller, an instructor in the mass communication department, was impressed with Eigner. She complimented his kindness and his ability to remember her name upon their second meeting.
Eigner made sure to stress how much he was for the North Greenville family.
“At the end of the day, we are a part of this University. We are for the students, and for their safety. I’m excited to serve all of you and I look forward to seeing you around campus.”
