05/27/2026
Sam Preston, Director of Public Safety, has considered himself a member of the USI community even before he was officially a Screaming Eagle.
“I’ve kind of been connected to this place longer than I’ve actually worked here. For 26 years, I was with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, and USI was part of my patrol district. I worked events out here all the time. Commencement, basketball games, things like that. So by the time I officially came here, it already felt familiar.
I always thought this could be a good transition someday. Law enforcement is a young person’s game, and while I loved my career and would do it all over again, I knew I wanted something that still let me serve people. This felt like the same kind of work, just in a different environment.
When I first came on as Assistant Director of Public Safety, it just fit. I got to use the same skills, the same mindset, still focusing on helping others. Now, as Director of Public Safety, every day is different. There’s no such thing as a routine day here. You might be working with students, faculty, visitors or families all in the same day.
Some of the most memorable moments have been the big ones. Getting to help organize the celebration when our Women’s Softball Team won a national championship was special. Being part of events like an Inauguration and Solarpalooza, those stand out too. But honestly, even the difficult days stick with you. When something hard happens on campus, seeing people come together and put others first, that says a lot about this place.
What’s kept me here is that sense of community. Public Safety touches everyone on campus. From the President to a first-year student, we’re here for everyone. We get the chance every day to make people feel safe and supported.
At the end of the day, that’s what matters to me. Being part of something where you can serve others, make a difference and know that what you’re doing matters. That’s what keeps me coming back.”
