Friends University is pleased to announce the hiring of Jose Salcido as the new Director of Security and Bellaly Escalante as the new Director of Hispanic Serving Initiative (HSI).
Salcido comes to Friends with an accomplished police and military background and will be a valuable asset to ensure the safety and security of the campus community. Salcido takes the reigns from longtime Security Director Richard Vinroe who is retiring after 30 years of service at Friends University.
Salcido holds a Master of Business Administration from Baker University, a Master of Military Operational Arts and Sciences from Air University and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Wichita State University. He previously held positions at the Wichita Police Department including Deputy Chief of Investigations for the Wichita Police Department; Deputy Chief of Support Services; Patrol South Bureau Commander; and Officer, Detective, Sergeant and Lieutenant. Salcido also served over 26 years in the Kansas Air National Guard as a Major, Healthcare Administrator and Medical Readiness Officer.
Escalante will serve as the new Director of HSI at Friends University. The position was created as part of the Department of Education Title III: Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant which is designed to help eligible institutions of Higher Education to become self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen the academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability of eligible institutions.
Escalante is no stranger to Friends University as she is a Friends University alumna where she completed both a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. Her previous positions include HR Administrative Assistant at Phoenix Home Care and Hospice and a para educator for Wichita Public Schools.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.