Master's Programs
Date May 18, 2026
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Ola Sobola recognized for outstanding service to master’s students

Each year, Brown University's Graduate Student Council honors a staff member with the Bates-Clapp Award, recognizing their exceptional dedication and remarkable contributions to the betterment of master's students.

PROVIDENCE, RI [Brown University] — Olaide “Ola” Sobola, security professional of Allied Universal Security Services has been named the 2026 recipient of the Bates-Clapp Award, in recognition of her outstanding commitment to student safety, support and community care for master’s students at Brown University.

For the past five years, Sobola has served as a security professional at the School of Public Health. In her role, she authorizes building access, monitors facilities and reports suspicious activity to help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for students, faculty and staff.

A familiar and reassuring presence within the School of Public Health, Sobola is widely known for her kindness, warmth and dedication to creating a supportive atmosphere for students navigating the demands of graduate education. Through daily interactions and unwavering care, she has helped foster a sense of belonging and security across the community.

Her work combines proactive monitoring with compassionate service. On a typical day, Sobola balances ensuring compliance with safety regulations, maintaining secure spaces and responding efficiently to potential risks — all while serving as a friendly face students know they can rely on.

“ The most rewarding part of my job is the profound direct impact on the safety and peace of mind of individuals and the school at large,” Sobola said. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. ”

Ola Sobola

For many master’s students, graduate school can be both academically rigorous and personally challenging. Throughout these experiences, Sobola has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure students feel safe, supported and valued in their daily lives on campus. Whether assisting during stressful moments, helping students feel more comfortable on campus or simply greeting others with compassion and encouragement, she has become a trusted and appreciated member of the Brown community.

Students and colleagues alike describe Sobola as someone who embodies the spirit of care and community that defines the Brown experience. She believes effective security work is rooted not simply in enforcement, but in service and prevention.

“It’s about helping, not enforcing,” Sobola said. “My priority is to secure premises and personnel, but Brown stands out because the University understands that safety is a team effort.”

She added that organizations prioritizing prevention create stronger, more engaged communities where people feel empowered, supported and valued — qualities she believes Brown reflects every day.

Beyond her professionalism, Sobola is also known for bringing humor and humanity to the workplace. One of her favorite memories at Brown involved a bird unexpectedly flying beneath her desk. Unaware it was there, she was asked by a colleague to retrieve something from underneath — only to discover the bird and immediately run out and tell everyone in the lobby, and they all erupted in laughter as the lobby erupted in laughter.

“It was a funny moment for me and everyone there that day,” she recalled.

Ola Sobola’s bright, welcoming personality and deep dedication to students make her a beloved presence within the Brown community. Known for bringing warmth, positivity and care to her work each day, Sobola was selected as this year’s Bates-Clapp Award recipient in recognition of her outstanding commitment to student safety and her meaningful contributions to campus life.

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Ola Sobola will be honored at the Master’s Ceremony on Saturday, May 23, 2026 during Brown University’s 258th Commencement and Reunion Weekend.

Bates-Clapp Award

The Brown University Graduate Student Council confers the Bates-Clapp Award annually to a staff member who has made outstanding contributions to master's students.

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