St. Lawrence Names Jason Pilarski Director and Chief of Safety & Security and Emergency Management

In his role, Pilarski will lead the University’s Safety & Security team and oversee emergency preparedness and response, campus security systems, regulatory compliance, and the student-led St. Lawrence University Emergency Medical Services program. Working closely with students, faculty, and staff, as well as local and regional partners, he will build on the University’s ongoing work to foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming campus environment grounded in trust, prevention, preparedness, and community engagement.

Pilarski will serve as the University’s incident commander during campus emergencies and as its primary liaison with emergency responders and law enforcement agencies. He will also collaborate across the University on event planning and risk assessment, community standards, prevention education, and campus safety concerns involving students, faculty, and staff.

“Joining SLU is an incredible opportunity to serve a community deeply rooted in tradition and mutual care. I am dedicated to leading with integrity, proactive preparedness, and a strong commitment to student and staff well-being. The SLU Thrives approach to well-being of the whole person speaks to the way I approach life and leadership. I look forward to becoming a Saint and joining a person-centered community.”
—Jason Pilarski

Pilarski brings more than 20 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education public safety. He joins St. Lawrence from Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he has served as Chief and Director of Campus Safety and Security since 2020. During his tenure at Alverno, Pilarski has led emergency management and Clery Act compliance, strengthened the College’s safety and security infrastructure, expanded community training opportunities, and developed safety plans for a new campus in Mesa, Arizona. He previously served Alverno in several campus safety leadership roles and as its Title IX coordinator.

Throughout his career, Pilarski has emphasized a collaborative, community-centered approach to campus safety. He has extensive experience in emergency and behavioral threat response, trauma-informed investigations, de-escalation, event safety planning, and building partnerships across campus and with local law enforcement agencies. He holds an associate of applied science degree in criminal justice from Milwaukee Area Technical College and has completed extensive professional training in campus public safety leadership, emergency management, crisis intervention, Clery Act compliance, and active-threat response.

Pilarski will succeed Pat Gagnon, who is retiring after nearly three decades of dedicated service to St. Lawrence 

“Jason’s experience and commitment to preparedness, prevention, and relationship-building make him an excellent fit for St. Lawrence,” says Karl Spiecker, vice president for finance and administration. “We look forward to the leadership he will bring as he builds on the strong foundation Pat Gagnon established.”