Mark Villasenor

Sergeant, Community Resource Unit, Police Department

I started at CMU in 2021

Hello. My name is Sgt. "Mark" Villasenor and I work for the Carnegie Mellon University Police Department, since 2021. I supervise the Community Resource Unit. I am currently on Staff Council as an At-Large Representative, and I am seeking reelection.

I bridge the gap between the CMU community and the police department. My goal is to make CMU a safer, more connected place where students feel comfortable engaging with law enforcement as partners in our community. I wear many hats in my position and take on many roles and responsibilities. I along with two police officers that are assigned to the Community Resource Unit take on these tasks. We are heavily involved within the CMU Community. I have spearheaded, developed and implemented several initiatives for the police department which includes, Scotty Strong a free self-defense course offered to students, staff/faculty and employees, CMUPD Toy Drive that benefits the Hazelwood community, Beeler Street "Meet & Greet" be a good neighbor event, CMUPD Annual Hot Dog event, CMUPD Citizens Police Academy, CMUPD Adopt-A-Highway program in Hazelwood and the Blvd of the Allies, CMUPD Coffee with a Cop, CMUPD Popcorn with a Cop. I have secured two grants in 2022 and 2024 from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to fund alcohol education programs aimed at reducing underage and dangerous drinking.

I also give in person presentations to educate the CMU community on Active Shooter (Run, Hide and Fight), Safety and Scam presentations and conduct physical security assessments. I oversee our involvement in Special Olympics Polar Plunge, Special Olympics Douse-A-Dean, Special Olympics Spring Sectional Games at CMU, Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, Allegheny Camp Cadet, Allegheny County Communities and Police Together, National Night Out.

On campus I foster, build and maintain professional relationships with CMU Enterprise Risk Management, SLICE, Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, Family Engagement Department, CMU Interfraternity Council, CMU Filipino Student Association and CMU EMS.

I am honored to be the 2024 Award Recipient (Rookie Category) for the Andy Award for my commitment to the University in taking great pride in producing excellent work.

During my term, I would like to see Staff Council partner with the Carnegie Mellon University Police in some of the initiatives and events that we do within the CMU community and outside of campus.

What is your favorite quote?
"What You Permit, You Promote. What You Allow, You Encourage. What You Condone, You Own."