Angelia Nañez Burruss works at the intersection of policy and people.
As the University of Georgia’s Clery Act compliance officer, she helps faculty, staff, students and visitors better understand campus safety, from providing data and busting myths to connecting people with resources.
“I want people to feel taken care of,” she said. “A lot of my work is about making sure information isn’t just technically correct, but actually helpful, so if someone needs it, they know where to go and what to expect.”
One of Burruss’ primary responsibilities is managing the university’s annual fire safety and security report, Safe & Secure. Required under the federal Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the report provides information on policies, crime statistics, points of contact and support services across all UGA campuses.
But for Burruss, transparency is just the first step. She helps spread awareness of practical tools, such as the UGA Safe app, which allow users to call or text police, request a walking escort, report a tip and access live campus maps and transit information.
She also works to address common misconceptions and clarify what happens when someone reports a crime, including options for confidential or non-law enforcement support.
“A lot of people think they have to come to the police only if they want to pursue prosecution, but that’s not true,” she said. “Every situation is different, and there are multiple options. You can come in to ask questions and get connected with the services you need.”
Burruss works closely with university and community partners to host trainings on topics such as active threat preparedness and mental health awareness. She tailors the sessions based on requests and real-time crime data to address current concerns and emerging needs.
“People should feel confident moving around campus and going about their day,” Burruss said. “And we’re always looking at how we can make it safer.”
Her perspective has been shaped by firsthand experience.
Burruss began her career at UGA in 2014 as a patrol officer with the UGA Police Department after earning her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology from UGA, which gave her direct exposure to campus operations, community engagement and the realities of public safety.
“I came in with a lot of assumptions about what I thought policing was, but what stood out is how community-oriented the work really is,” she said.
Burruss transitioned into higher education administration in 2018, working at Kennesaw State University in advising and leadership roles while earning her master’s degree in public administration. There, she supported students one-on-one with advising, registration and other academic processes.
By 2024, Burruss was looking to expand her impact in public service. As UGA continued to strengthen its campus safety efforts, she saw an opportunity to combine her background in policing and higher education. She returned to the university in early 2025.
Much of her work now centers on helping safety feel less reactive and more familiar.
“Safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Burruss said. “The more knowledgeable people are about what’s available to them, the more confident they feel in themselves and in the university.”
By emphasizing clear guidance and practical tools, Burruss helps reduce uncertainty around campus safety processes, making it easier for people to understand what happens, what options exist and where to go.
“I like knowing that what I’m doing actually helps people,” she said. “I feel like I’m doing that on a bigger scale than ever before.”