PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Lenny Ballesteros’ job is to help keep the Brown community safe. As a public safety officer, he patrols campus buildings and grounds on College Hill and works as dispatcher at the Brown University Department of Public Safety headquarters.
But as a history buff and a voracious reader, he has also immersed himself during his three years at Brown in the intellectual life of the University. He audits classes in his spare time, chats frequently with students about their work and regularly exchanges books and stories with faculty. Ballesteros said the relationships he’s made along the way have made him better at his job — helping to build trust with the people his department works to serve. At the same time, they’ve contributed greatly to his personal and intellectual life.
“I tell my boss all the time, this doesn’t even feel like a job,” Ballesteros said. “I absolutely love working here.”
In a Q&A, Ballesteros discussed how working at Brown has been a perfect fit for a public safety officer with a thirst for knowledge.
Q: Can you talk a little bit about your background?
I grew up in New Jersey and I have a degree in criminal justice from New Jersey City University. I have an extensive security background. I did security at Giants Stadium, where I worked games, concerts and VIP escort. I was also in loss prevention for Walmart and Tower Records. Before that I was in the Navy, where I worked in meteorology.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about working at Brown?
Talking to the students and professors is hands down my favorite part of the job. That’s something I didn’t really expect when I started working here. I kind of expected the Hollywood stereotype of an Ivy League school — people who would be way too busy to stop and talk to the public safety officer. But that’s not been the case at all. People here are happy to talk and it’s great.