Mark Villasenor
Staff Council Vice Chair 2025 - 2026
Sergeant, Community Resource Unit, Police Department
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
I started at Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø in 2021
Hello. My name is Sgt. "Mark" Villasenor and I have worked for the Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø 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 Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø community and the police department. My goal is to make Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø 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 Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø 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, Âé¶¹¹ÙÍøPD Toy Drive that benefits the Hazelwood community, Beeler Street "Meet & Greet" be a good neighbor event, Âé¶¹¹ÙÍøPD Annual Hot Dog event, Âé¶¹¹ÙÍøPD Citizens Police Academy, Âé¶¹¹ÙÍøPD Adopt-A-Highway program in Hazelwood and the Blvd of the Allies, Âé¶¹¹ÙÍøPD Coffee with a Cop, Âé¶¹¹ÙÍøPD 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 Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø 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 Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø, 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 Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Enterprise Risk Management, SLICE, Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, Family Engagement Department, Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Interfraternity Council, Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Filipino Student Association and Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø 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 the Staff Council partner with the Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Police in some of the initiatives and events that we do within the Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø 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."