Student Ranger Program Provides Connections
and Opportunities Beyond Graduation
Story by Tenille Dellinger , Photography by Kat Lawrence, Videography by Ozzie Hernandez
Front: Lily Mast, Angelina LaLuna, Savanna Richardson, Ashton Rizzo, Kamden Fulmore
Back: Zachary Libman, Jordan Phillips, Max Moody, Troy Johnson, Akhil Gajjala, Jerry Lecomte
Key Takeaways:
- UNC Charlotte’s Community Services Student Rangers program, established in 2023, provides students the opportunity to learn about law enforcement through immersion in the Department of Police and Public Safety.
- Rangers work closely with Police and Public Safety officers to respond to certain calls for service or assist with police activity in a supportive role.
- The program sets up each ranger for success by enhancing their network of connections that will lead to a successful career — no matter their field of study.
11 rangers. One mission. Endless opportunities.
The Community Services Student Rangers program gives students an opportunity unlike any other on UNC Charlotte’s campus. No matter their career aspirations, rangers gain experience by working closely with Police and Public Safety officers — even sharing a dispatch radio system.
The 11 student rangers in this semester’s cohort roam campus daily, seeking opportunities to help ensure the safety of our community. Their purpose: Serve and protect this great campus.
The rangers provide an array of services to the community, while learning about the law enforcement profession. The program shapes their futures and sets them up for career success.
Serving the community
Led by Sgt. Jerry Lecomte, the Community Services Student Rangers program was established in fall 2023 as an extension of the community policing division of the Department of Police and Public Safety. The program, which provides paid student opportunities, is aimed at bridging the gap between the sworn, uniformed police officers and the campus community, and gives students valuable, real-world, hands-on experience.
“This program provides an excellent opportunity for students with various career interests to be immersed in our department, get to know law enforcement, and network with our officers and their connections. I’ve seen students make connections beyond the Charlotte area that will serve them well once they graduate.”
-Jerry Lecomte, community-oriented policing sergeant
The rangers serve in a “hands-off” position, meaning they support the police officers, but don’t carry weapons. They undergo training, but not as extensive as that of a sworn officer. Nor do they have a sworn police officer’s authority. The radios they carry connect to dispatch, and they can respond to assist officers with certain tasks. The rangers patrol campus on foot, and serve the community by providing necessary services such as safety escorts, directing traffic, jump starting vehicles and performing safety checks of buildings, walkways and parking areas.
In just two years since the program launched, former student rangers are sharing amazing success stories. Some have become Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers; one works for the University’s Department of Safety and Security; and three former rangers are enrolled in basic law enforcement training and plan to join the University’s Police and Public Safety team upon completion. Some current rangers also hope to join the campus police department after they graduate.
That said, not all student rangers aim to pursue law enforcement careers. The current cohort is working toward degrees in criminal justice, political science, finance and computer science, and plan careers as police officers, lawyers, FBI agents, cybersecurity specialists and more.
The program serves as a building block for gaining valued experience that supports a number of careers.
Understanding the law from all angles
Jordan Phillips, a senior double majoring in criminal justice and political science, is an original student ranger, and has served faithfully since the program’s start. He will graduate with both degrees in spring 2026.
“I really love this program,” said Phillips. “Working community events, such as football and basketball games, have been my favorite. It’s nice to be seen and be a resource for the community.”
The student rangers frequently assist Police and Public Safety during large events controlling traffic flow, in addition to their other duties. They are also approachable to their fellow students.
“I find it’s sometimes easier for students to talk to rangers than a uniformed police officer. It’s important to let them know that interacting with rangers and law enforcement isn’t scary — we’re here for you!”
Jordan Phillips, senior criminal justice and political science major
Phillips adds that it’s been rewarding to witness firsthand what police officers go through daily, which many people don’t get a chance to see. But Phillips doesn’t foresee a career in law enforcement; he wants to use his skills on the law’s other side.
“After I graduate in the spring, I want to earn a juris doctor degree and become an attorney in North Carolina,” said Phillips. “This program has been extremely helpful toward my goal of becoming a lawyer because it’s shown me a new meaning of community outreach and support.”
Becoming familiar with the law enforcement perspective not only has set him up for success, his large web of connections has expanded as well.
“Through conversations with the officers and making connections throughout the community, I’ve taken advantage of the opportunities this program has provided to set myself up for success,” said Phillips. “I’ve been in contact with many lawyers and other professionals, and feel I have the support I need to take my next steps confidently.”
Phillips also finds support through his family. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, the Phillips family’s roots now run deep in Charlotte. He is a legacy student, with his alumna sister, Ohavia Phillips-Reed ’15, and younger brother, Justin Phillips, a sophomore studying finance.
“I come from a family whose members challenge themselves,” said Phillips. “I’m grateful for them and all the people I’ve met throughout my life that helped me figure out who I am.”
Dedicated to serve
Lilyana (Lily) Mast, a senior studying criminal justice, is also an original student ranger set to graduate in December.
“When I was younger, I knew I wanted a career as a first responder; I just didn’t know which branch,” said Mast. “As I’ve considered it more, I know law enforcement provides the right career path for me. I met Sergeant Lecomte during an orientation and knew this program was something I wanted to pursue.”
The oldest of five sisters and a first-generation college student, Mast enjoys helping others, taking charge of situations and being a leader. This opportunity offered the perfect combination.
“Being a ranger has given me the access and responsibility to help others and be a leader, but more importantly, it’s helped me grow as a person and toward the career I desire,” said Mast.
Mast had a lot of questions about a career in law enforcement that she sought to have answered through this program.
“I was so curious about how police departments function,” said Mast. “What are the different areas of law enforcement and how do they work together? How do I get started in this field? We learn a lot of this in class, but what is it truly like?”
Mast has those answers, and she’s gained a lot of insight through the helpfulness of Police and Public Safety officers.
“I’ve learned so much just by talking to the officers and asking them questions about scenarios and situations that occur,” said Mast. “One of the main things I’ve learned is that you don’t always show up on someone’s best day, but usually their worst. That perspective helps shape how I approach people.”
Through her experiences, Mast is confident she’s on the right path toward an exceptional future.
This program has made me more confident in myself and sure that I want to pursue a career in law enforcement. I’m from Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and I’d really like to move back there and join the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department and eventually become a
K-9 officer.”
Lily Mast, senior criminal justice major
Not only has the program helped her build a strong resume, it’s helped her excel in the classroom and expand her network.
“Because of this program, I’ve gained the confidence and connections to have conversations with the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department and make a name for myself as an aspiring police officer,” said Mast. “I wouldn’t have been able to do that without this program.”
Community assets
With a mission to serve, the Community Services Student Ranger program, while still maturing, is providing students real-world opportunities to support their education and further set them up for bright futures — no matter their career path.
Outfitted in black pants and grey polo shirts with a green logo on the chest, you may see the rangers around campus seeking to assist the community and liaise with Police and Public Safety officers. Stop by, say “hi,” and take peace in knowing someone is looking out for your safety!
Are you interested in becoming a ranger? The program is open for students to apply at the start of every semester on Hire-A-Niner; the program can accommodate up to about 20 rangers. The job is paid, and all uniforms and supplies are provided upon hiring. If you have questions about the program, reach out to Sgt. Jerry Lecomte at glecomte@charlotte.edu.
