Sergeant David D. Marshall, a security officer at Providence College since 1974, was recently named the Rhode Island College and University Officer of the Year.

The award is given out annually by the Rhode Island College and University Public Safety Administrator's Selection Committee to an officer for their exemplary service. Marshall received the award at a graduation ceremony for future college and university officers at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I.  

"I didn't know what to say," said Marshall, who also received the honor in 1997. "I was taken completely by surprise."

Marshall graduated from La Salle Academy in Providence in 1975, but began his PC career as a full-time security officer one year earlier. Throughout his time at the College, Marshall said his approach has been to be proactive and fair to all the students he comes in contact with.

"I've done the same thing year in and year out," he explained. "I was Dave Marshall in 1974 and I'm still that same guy today."

Marshall, who has nine members of the Office of Safety and Security under his watch as third-shift supervisor, said his personal goal during every shift is to be as visible as possible to students.

"By working third shift, I've gotten to know the students more and that's allowed them to know who we are and what we do," he said. "When new students come in, I make it a point to strike up conversations because I want them to know that they can come to us if they need something."

"This job is always challenging. Sometimes you do things and you wonder if people really know what you do," he said. "Getting this award was a nice pat on the back and it lets me know that people understand what I do. I really appreciate it."