By Ellen Garnett

Staff Writer

The Voice sat down with Chief of Police Honey Pike, one of the newest members of the Simmons community, to get to know her.

1. What is your role here at Simmons? I am the Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety for Simmons College, so my role is instrumental in directing the resources of the College to help insure the safety of students, faculty, and staff.

2. What was your role before you came to the College? Prior to coming to Simmons College, I was the Assistant Chief of Police at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN.  I served in that role for 6 years.  Prior to that, I worked 33 years at the Metro Nashville Police Department.  I was fortunate to have risen in the ranks over the years and retired as the Deputy Chief of Police.

3. It is the honeymoon phase of your time at Simmons (no pun intended). What is your favorite aspect of it so far?  My favorite part of the job is walking around the campus and getting to know the students, faculty and staff.  I have been delighted at the warm reception that I received. Everywhere I go, I meet really friendly, engaging people.

4. What are some of your hobbies or interests? My wife and I love to travel. I enjoy playing with and taking our two Yorkie Poos (Keegan and Izzy) for walks.  In addition, we are currently building a house in the Framingham/Natick area, so in a way that has become a hobby—choosing all the things that make it special for us (wall colors, flooring, light fixtures, etc.).

5. Tell us a fun fact about you. I am a pushover for dogs.  I have not met a dog that I didn’t like. I think they are smart, funny, and joyful.

6. What do you think your spirit animal would be? I think it would be a bear. Bears have to be fearless, protective, and bold to survive. They also need time for solitude, to regain their strength.

7. If you have one message for the Simmons community, what would it be?  I would remind students that they can accomplish anything if they work hard.  They have to believe in themselves and not be influenced by negativity.  They are developing the groundwork of their lives, and decisions they make now, can have a long lasting impact.  They have choices, and they can make wise decisions.

8. Is there anything you would like to add? The Department of Police and Public Safety is here to serve you.  It is our job to insure Simmons College is a safe and open environment for you to live, to grow, to study, and to play.  We are committed to serve and protect you, as you are the leaders of the future. Please call us if you need help.

If you see Chief Pike around campus, make sure to give her a warm welcome.