USI Public Safety

Health Science Institute hosts disaster drill on USI campus >>>
https://www.14news.com/2026/06/16/health-science-institute-hosts-disaster-drill-usi-campus/

Yesterday, USI Public Safety took part in an MCI drill to strengthen our officers' skills on how to handle the intense and stressful situation of a mass casualty incident. Job well done by all involved!

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.”

Beginning on or after Tuesday, May 26, University Parkway eastbound ramps on the south side of the Lloyd will be closed. Eastbound traffic will need to use a detour. Westbound ramps will remain open. This phase is expected to last approximately 30 days. Drivers should watch for signage, follow posted detours and allow extra travel time.

Plan ahead! On or after Tuesday, May 26, a small portion of Red Bank Road south of the Lloyd will be closed. Motorists heading south on Red Bank from the Lloyd should use the posted detour. The intersection at Pearl Drive will remain open, allowing traffic to cross between retail areas. The closure is expected to last up to two weeks, weather permitting.

Heat related deaths are preventable. Always make sure you LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK! The temperature in your car can quickly become deadly.

Beat the heat by staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water, and beverages that provide electrolytes, while avoiding dehydrating beverages.

Learn the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and how to act should these medical conditions occur.

It’s important to know how to stay safe when working outdoors in the heat. Here are some important tips to consider!

Working outdoors in the heat? Working in the heat can be dangerous, ask yourself these questions before you start working.