Preston to serve as assistant director of Public Safety

The University of Southern Indiana has tapped Sam Preston as assistant director of Public Safety. He will assume duties Monday, May 21. 

As assistant director, Preston will serve as second-in-command of USI's Public Safety Department and will assist Steve Bequette, director of Public Safety, in the management of the department, including supervision of Public Safety officers, collaboration with University departments and outside agencies, coordinating campus safety and security programs, and developing operational guidelines and training manuals. 

Preston is a 26-year veteran (retired) of the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office and brings years of experience and familiarity with campus and staff from working USI events as an off-duty officer. He is a 2016 graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, a certified Master Instructor by the State of Indiana, a peer support and QPR-suicide prevention instructor, and has experience in crisis negotiation. Preston has a bachelor's degree from Western Kentucky University and a master's degree from Indiana State University.