Melissa Bailey, of Sarasota, has dedicated her life to public service, safety and well-being for her communities. She joined State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) in the Public Safety department in 2018, after her retirement of 20 years as a police officer in her home state, New Jersey.

The SCF Public Safety team is responsible for creating a secure environment at the SCF campuses in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Venice, including the SCF Collegiate School (SCFCS) located onsite at SCF Bradenton and SCF Venice for dual-enrolled high school-college students. Public Safety personnel are present and accessible on the campuses daily, 24/7. The team provides emergency responses, security escorts, first aid help, lost and found support, vehicle assistance and other services to help protect the safety and welfare of students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Bailey performs multiple duties as a supervisor of public safety at SCF Venice. She ensures safety and security protocols are followed, administers first aid, responds to alarms, disorderly individuals, suspicious activity and other emergency situations, investigates Title IX cases, plans and provides security processes for campus events, and assists with safety and security drills at SCFCS. Additionally, Bailey serves as a liaison for the college with local law enforcement and first responder providers, including Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, North Port Police Department, and North Port Fire and Rescue.

In her role and workday, Bailey enjoys interaction with students, support from her leadership, and teamwork with other departments at SCF. She strives to uplift those around her. And she believes in doing the right things and caring about others.

“I try to come to work every day with a positive attitude and make a positive impact on others,” said Bailey.

For new and prospective students, Bailey would encourage them to explore SCF, get involved and ask for help along the way.

“Check out the campuses, talk to students and don’t be afraid to try something and fail,” Bailey said. “Just keep trying, be your own advocate, find out where to get help and enjoy the ride.”

Bailey praises higher education as an avenue for personal growth.

“Higher Education gives you the ability to critically think and better yourself as a person,” she said.

Outside of work, Bailey keeps active in the Tampa Bay community. She is involved with Radiant Church, Drug Free Manatee and Fraternal Order of Police. For self-care and wellness, she likes exercising, reading, bible study, time together with her family and dogs, and the beach. If Bailey had the opportunity, she would travel to any beautiful Caribbean Island to experience a laid-back island lifestyle.

In her life and career, Bailey is grateful for her beloved three children, successful marriage and retirement from law enforcement after 20 years of service. Watching her daughters, Delaney and Morgan, and her son, Collin, pursue their education and interests makes Bailey proud. All three of her children have attended SCFCS.  

The collegiate schools offered the flexibility Delaney needed to get a head-start on her higher education and adult life, while also participating in her competitive swimming routine.

“Delaney was an all-American swimmer and had a rigorous practice schedule,” Bailey said. “SCF allowed her freedom to attend 20 hours per week of swim practice and get an A.A. degree and a high school diploma at the same time.”

Delaney continued her college education at the University of Tampa, where she graduated in 2024 at age 20 with a B.A. degree. Following Bailey’s public safety career path, Delaney now works as a Sarasota Fire and Rescue Beach Lifeguard and aspires to become a firefighter/paramedic.

Morgan continued her education at SCF and the University of South Florida, where she graduated in 2023. She now attends Faulkner Law school in Alabama.

Collin attends SCFCS and plans to graduate in 2025. He additionally works part-time installing equipment in emergency response vehicles.

For all her children, Bailey wishes continued success and a meaningful future helping others.

“I hope they all live up to their intended purpose and make a positive impact on their community,” she said.