Security Corner: Meet CSOs Rochelle Law-Wagener, Lakeith Washum
Community Service Officer Rochelle Law-Wagener joined USN part-time in 2020 and transitioned to full-time in 2021. CSO Lakeith Washum joined USN in 2016. CSOs provide safety and security-related functions, including perimeter and parking lot security, traffic direction, access control, and special event staffing.
By Lauren Max, Anna Garmezy, and Sarah Rubin, Parent Members of the Safety and Security Advisory Committee
Q: What is something people may not know about you?
Law-Wagener: When I am away from USN, I enjoy reading, cinema, cooking, and staying active with yoga and exercise. Before joining law enforcement, I had a fulfilling career as a photographer and photo editor.
Washum: I am passionate about empowering and training women with defensive concepts to utilize against various types of assault. I am a certified Rape Aggression Defense instructor and teach a comprehensive course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, and the basics of hands-on defense training.
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Q: Tell us about your training.
Law-Wagener: Equipped with rigorous, annual training provided by Vanderbilt University Public Safety, I obtained my license as an unarmed security guard in June 2019. Since then, I have collaborated with USN and VUPS to ensure safety protocols and proactively monitor campus activities, fostering a secure environment for all our students, faculty, and staff.
Washum: I started working with campus security for Vanderbilt University Public Safety in 2014. Prior to this, I worked with at-promise youth at the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center and served as a counselor for Group Effort with these students. I also worked as a machinist/trainer in the military defense industry. I have my B.S. in Criminal Justice.
Q: What do you love about your job?
Law-Wagener: My journey into this profession was inspired by the desire to combine my customer service skills with my passion for safety and security in school communities. My love of working with children stems from a genuine appreciation for the boundless creativity and potential in young minds. Witnessing the talents and ingenuity of students at USN constantly inspires me and reinforces my commitment to ensuring their safety.
Washum: What I love most about my job is ensuring the safety and security of all who need help. Doing this in a school setting is incredibly meaningful, and I view all USN students as part of my family.
Q: What is your favorite thing about USN?
Law-Wagener: My favorite elements at USN are the dynamic arts and theater program and the unwavering dedication of our creative, compassionate teachers.
Washum: I look forward to coming to work every day because I know USN has the greatest teachers, staff, parents, and students who take education seriously.
Law-Wagener: Equipped with rigorous, annual training provided by Vanderbilt University Public Safety, I obtained my license as an unarmed security guard in June 2019. Since then, I have collaborated with USN and VUPS to ensure safety protocols and proactively monitor campus activities, fostering a secure environment for all our students, faculty, and staff.
Washum: I started working with campus security for Vanderbilt University Public Safety in 2014. Prior to this, I worked with at-promise youth at the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center and served as a counselor for Group Effort with these students. I also worked as a machinist/trainer in the military defense industry. I have my B.S. in Criminal Justice.
Q: What do you love about your job?
Law-Wagener: My journey into this profession was inspired by the desire to combine my customer service skills with my passion for safety and security in school communities. My love of working with children stems from a genuine appreciation for the boundless creativity and potential in young minds. Witnessing the talents and ingenuity of students at USN constantly inspires me and reinforces my commitment to ensuring their safety.
Washum: What I love most about my job is ensuring the safety and security of all who need help. Doing this in a school setting is incredibly meaningful, and I view all USN students as part of my family.
Q: What is your favorite thing about USN?
Law-Wagener: My favorite elements at USN are the dynamic arts and theater program and the unwavering dedication of our creative, compassionate teachers.
Washum: I look forward to coming to work every day because I know USN has the greatest teachers, staff, parents, and students who take education seriously.
Q: What is something people may not know about you?
Law-Wagener: When I am away from USN, I enjoy reading, cinema, cooking, and staying active with yoga and exercise. Before joining law enforcement, I had a fulfilling career as a photographer and photo editor.
Washum: I am passionate about empowering and training women with defensive concepts to utilize against various types of assault. I am a certified Rape Aggression Defense instructor and teach a comprehensive course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, and the basics of hands-on defense training.
Q: Tell us about your family.
Law-Wagener: I am happily married and the proud mother of a daughter pursuing her Ph.D. in Quantitative Methods at Vanderbilt. Our household would not be complete without our beloved cat, Luna, who thinks she is a lioness.
Washum: I am happily married with three daughters, and in July, I will be promoted to the position of very proud grandfather.
Law-Wagener: I am happily married and the proud mother of a daughter pursuing her Ph.D. in Quantitative Methods at Vanderbilt. Our household would not be complete without our beloved cat, Luna, who thinks she is a lioness.
Washum: I am happily married with three daughters, and in July, I will be promoted to the position of very proud grandfather.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Spring sports season ends with podium finishes, trophies
The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.Read More -
USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success
For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.Read More -
Middle School Quiz Bowl competes at national championship
The Middle School Quiz Bowl finished off another successful season with a trip to the Middle School National Championship Tournament in Chicago. The team fought hard and ended the season as a top-100 program in the country, finishing 75th overall. Congratulations to the team on a great performance and to Lucas Lupu ’31, named an All Star for being the fifth-highest scorer nationwide.Read More
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Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
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2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.