By Kelly Stenka
Life at Doane University is full of energy—students rushing between classes, grabbing coffee with friends, heading to practices and rehearsals. And while all that activity goes on, there’s a team working quietly in the background to make sure everyone stays safe: Doane’s Public Safety Office.
For Public Safety Director Russ Hewitt, the mission is simple—help students feel safe to enjoy their college experience to the fullest. “Our job isn’t just about responding to emergencies; it’s about preventing them in the first place,” Hewitt said. “The more our community engages with us—reporting concerns, staying informed, and taking precautions—the safer our campus becomes.”
Behind the Scenes, Always Watching Out
The Public Safety team might not always be visible, but they’re always working. They rely on three main ideas—communication, reporting, and access management—to keep the campus running smoothly and securely.
They make sure students, faculty, and staff get timely alerts when something important is happening on campus. They monitor campus security cameras and manage access to residence halls and buildings to make sure only the right people are coming and going. And when someone reports a concern, Public Safety documents and tracks those incidents to identify trends and prevent future issues.
For Erik Rezabek, a Safety Administrator with nearly 30 years of experience in the criminal justice field, the mission at Doane aligns perfectly with what drew him to the profession in the first place. “I originally thought I wanted to be a police officer,” he said, “but after getting my first job in an emergency shelter, I quickly learned that my talents and passion pointed me toward working with youth and young adults. I never looked back.”
When he saw the opportunity to join Doane as a Public Safety Officer, it felt like the right next step. “It was a new challenge and a new approach, but it still paralleled what I liked to do—helping others and being a positive presence in their lives.”
Quick Responses When It Counts
Sometimes things go wrong—and when they do, the Public Safety team is ready. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a security issue, or a weather situation, the team works with local police and first responders to handle it quickly.
“The more our community reports concerns proactively, the better we can prevent emergencies rather than just respond to them,” Hewitt explained. That’s why they take every call seriously, no matter how small it may seem.
Rezabek echoed that idea, adding that each day on the job brings something new. “There’s no owner’s manual for this role. Every day we face new challenges, new situations, and new opportunities,” he said. “We have to make quick decisions, think on the fly. Our day can go from 0 to 100 mph in seconds.”
The Lighter Side of Campus Safety
Not everything is an emergency. The team sometimes fields unexpected calls—like helping small animals or wildlife on campus that need assistance.
They also aim to make their presence approachable rather than intimidating. “I’ve had the pleasure of leading several of our student orientations,” said Rezabek. “And I always start by telling students: 95% of what we do is just to keep you safe. If you see us walk into a room, you don’t have to stop talking. If you see us in an area, you don’t need to ask if something’s wrong—we’re probably just saying hi.”
That visible presence is by design. “Our number one priority is outside threats to Doane,” Rezabek explained. “And one way we deter those is by being seen. We’re proactive—we’re constantly checking systems and safety measures to make sure they’re working right. And we’re here to help—whether it’s a jump-start, a lockout, or even just walking someone back to their dorm late at night.”
Real-World Advice for Students and Families
When asked for one piece of advice he wishes every student knew, Hewitt said: “Emergency preparedness isn’t just about campus—it applies everywhere. If you think through safety scenarios here at Doane, you’ll be ready for anything life throws your way.”
Thanks to the quiet, committed presence of Doane’s Public Safety team, the Doane community can move forward with confidence, knowing someone always has their back.
