Collins brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience transforming public safety operations at New York City organizations.
Quchee Collins is joining the University of Rochester as the inaugural associate vice president for the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and chief public safety officer. Collins brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience transforming public safety operations at major institutions such as the City University of New York (CUNY) and New York City’s civic agencies. His appointment goes into effect on July 1.
The newly elevated AVP role, which reports to Executive Vice President of Administration and Finance, CFO, and Treasurer Elizabeth Milavec, is part of the University’s comprehensive Five-Point Campus Safety Plan to cultivate an inclusive, equitable, and community-focused approach to campus security. As AVP, Collins will provide strategic vision and oversight for all aspects of public safety across the University’s campuses; serve as a member of University President Sarah Mangelsdorf’s cabinet; and collaborate closely with the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC), comprising student, faculty, and staff representatives from across campus communities.
“Through collaborative leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, the University looks forward to ushering in a new modern era of holistic, community-engaged public safety under Collins’ leadership,” says Mangelsdorf. “This includes prioritizing transparency and the continuation of open communication between Department of Public Safety personnel and our students, staff, faculty, visitors, and local residents.”
A proven leader
Collins has led more than 1,000 sworn and civilian personnel as deputy director of public safety for CUNY, comprising 243,000 students and 52,500 employees. Before his role at CUNY, he served as the police chief for New York City’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services, leading a team of peace officers, civilian staff, and security guards who work to safeguard the welfare of more than 300,000 city employees by keeping buildings critical for operations secure.
“I want to thank the search committee that conducted a rigorous national search and used an interview process that engaged a broad array of University stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and members of our Public Safety Advisory Committee,” says Milavec. “Collins’ expertise in emergency preparedness, policy reform, and community engagement make him exceptionally qualified to advance our public safety vision.”
Collins earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Norfolk State University and expects to be awarded a master’s degree in emergency management from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 2025. He is a member of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA).
“His expertise in overseeing safe and secure operations for large facilities across the five boroughs of New York City will be invaluable for our work at the Medical Center, which is a large campus with many offsite locations used by faculty, staff, students, learners, patients, and visitors,” says Kathy Parrinello, chief operating officer of Strong Memorial Hospital.
DPS is a 24-hour/seven days-a-week operation that serves University students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors. It has been accredited by the IACLEA since 2020, making it one of only 72 institutions of higher education that currently holds this designation.
Gratitude to interim chief Gerald Pickering
DPS interim chief Gerald Pickering has provided steady leadership for the department since being appointed in 2021. “The University extends its sincere gratitude to Jerry for his guidance and support,” says Milavec. “His dedication to operational excellence and campus safety paved the way for moving the department forward.”
Pickering joined the University in 2015 as deputy chief of DPS. Prior to joining the University, he was the chief of police for the Town of Webster for 14 years.
