Security officer Ardeen Leake has served the University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department (UMBPD) for 38 years next month. Thirty-seven of those years were with the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. 

“I wanted to become a security officer to protect and serve the public and the University community,” Leake says.

The security officer enjoys counseling and feeding the students she sees each day. When students have problems, she points them toward resources such as counseling services, tutors, and other students and employees in the School of Pharmacy. If students are experiencing food insecurity, she helps them find programs at UMB that will help. 

Leake has a heart for service, especially for vulnerable populations. “I love to help feed the homeless,” she says. “I have job listings that will hire people who have a police record. I help senior citizens and my neighbors.”

Since joining the department, Leake has experienced a number of memorable moments, including receiving a community service award. She hopes to retire next year, travel the world, and continue to help her community.

Leake also is an avid Ravens fan! “I love to collect the Baltimore Ravens memorabilia and go to any Ravens game,” she says. Go, Ravens!