The University of Iowa has appointed Mark Bullock as the next assistant vice president and director of public safety after a national search.

Bullock has been serving as co-interim director of the UI Department of Public Safety (DPS) alongside Chief Lucy Wiederholt since Dec. 1, 2020.

Bullock will continue to provide stable and decisive leadership for the department as it works to bolster relationships across campus to provide the best service possible to all students, faculty, and staff, says Rod Lehnertz, senior vice president for finance and operations.

“Mark Bullock has a deep understanding of our campus community and the important work that lies ahead for the Department of Public Safety following the Reimagining Campus Safety process,” says Lehnertz. “He truly believes in collaboration and relationship building, and will play a key role in the department’s momentum toward creating an environment that supports the safety of all individuals.”

Bullock joined UI DPS in 2014, serving as an officer and sergeant before his appointment to captain in 2015. Before coming to the UI, the Bettendorf native began his law enforcement career with the Memphis, Tennessee, police department where he was a police officer and detective, serving as a member of uniformed patrol, mounted patrol, the organized crime unit, the entertainment district unit, and the crisis intervention team. In 2012, he was awarded the Memphis Police Department’s Medal of Honor, the department’s highest award. 

During his time as interim co-director, Bullock served as the public safety representative on the  Reimagining Campus Safety Action Committee, which brought together campus partners to identify strategies, tactics, and timelines for creating a campus community that supports the safety of all individuals, with particular attention to people who have traditionally experienced disproportionate harm from systems. The committee delivered its recommendations to President Barbara Wilson in August 2021, and is now in the implementation phase, having recently hired student care coordinators and increasing mental health resources.

Bullock says he is honored to be appointed director at such a critical time for the department.

“As a lifelong Hawkeye who is genuinely devoted to public service, leadership, and community partnerships, I cannot express the immeasurable amount of pride I feel in having the opportunity to lead this department,” he says. “I look forward to building partnerships across campus that support the university’s mission.”  

Bullock earned his bachelor of liberal studies degree in justice and ethics and a master of business administration from the UI. He has also graduated from the Northwestern Police Staff and Command School, where he served as class president. Bullock has been selected to attend the FBI National Academy in 2022, becoming the first UI representative to do so.

Angie Reams, associate vice president and dean of students, served as chair of the 10-member search committee charged with recruiting and vetting applicants for the position. 

“This role is critical to campus making continued progress,” says Reams. “We expect that Mark Bullock will make great use of his existing relationships on campus and in the Iowa City community to strengthen partnerships and programs that support a holistic approach to student success and well-being.”

Bullock will replace Scott Beckner, who retired on Dec. 31, 2020. He will begin in the permanent role on Jan. 3, 2022, pending approval by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa. Wiederholt will return to her role as associate director and chief of police, a position she has held since 2010.