Dr. Felix Martinez, Director of Public Safety at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, has been recognized as a finalist for the 2025 Campus Safety Director of the Year award. This prestigious accolade honors outstanding leadership in campus security, law enforcement, and emergency management across educational institutions.
Professional Background and Education
Before joining St. Mary’s College, Dr. Martinez served as a police officer with the Riverdale Park Police Department, starting in June 2020. In this role, he focused on enhancing police-community relations, actively participating in the Community Engagement Task Force to bridge gaps between law enforcement and the community.
Dr. Martinez’s commitment to education is evident through his extensive academic achievements. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with a concentration in Crime and Criminology from Southern New Hampshire University (2016), a Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership from St. John’s University (2018), and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Trident University International (2022). His doctoral research focused on the impact of community policing in predominantly Latino neighborhoods.
Innovations in Campus Safety
Since assuming the role of Director of Public Safety at St. Mary’s College, Dr. Martinez has spearheaded several initiatives to enhance campus security:
- Campus Public Safety Advisory Board: He established a board comprising students, faculty, and staff to foster collaborative decision-making in safety protocols.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Under his leadership, the campus has seen a significant expansion of security camera coverage, improved lighting, the introduction of a card access control system, and the deployment of license plate recognition cameras.
- Grant Acquisition: Dr. Martinez secured a $375,000 grant from the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s Campus Safety Initiative, facilitating further advancements in campus safety infrastructure.
Recognition and Upcoming Announcement
The winners of the 2025 Campus Safety Director of the Year award will be announced at the National Campus Safety Conference, scheduled for July 21-23 in Austin, Texas. This event gathers safety professionals nationwide to share best practices and honor exemplary leadership in campus safety.
