Staff & Advisory Group

Jimi Nealy

Chief of Public Safety

Jimi Nealy Jr. has over 42 years of law enforcement experience. He has worked in corrections and is retired from the Connecticut State Police. Jimi was the director/supervisor of the K–12 School Police and Security Unit and the assistant chief for the public safety departments at two of Connecticut’s universities. During his career, Jimi received numerous awards for dedicated service, community engagement, and leadership. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Central Connecticut State University, a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Quinnipiac University, and is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership and social justice. In his spare time, Jimi enjoys biking, hiking, mentoring young adults, and spending time with his
wife, Jennifer; their adult kids, Jamae’ and Jaizz; and their grandson, Jaylon. Jimi says his favorite word is “Ubuntu,” which means “I am because you are.”

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Jeremy Kenneson

Assistant Director

Jeremy began his career in policing in 1996 graduating with an associates degree in Criminal Justice. He graduated from the Massachusetts Reserve/Intermittent Police Academy in 1996 and the Special State Police Academy in 1998. Jeremy has been serving the Smith College community since 1999 and served in many different roles within the Campus Safety Department. He served the college as Interim Director from July 2022 until December 2023 and was able to complete a college initiative of achievement in acquiring Police Accreditation for the department. Jeremy is currently the Assistant Director of Campus Safety overseeing the daily operations of the department and continues to be part of various groups within the college community.

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Steaphan Mish

Staff Sergeant

Steaphan Mish began his interest in policing, safety and service by earning his associate degree in law enforcement in 2000. Steve joined the Department of Public Safety at Smith College in 2006, and has remained dedicated to the Smith College community ever since. Over his years of service, Steve has attended multiple trainings and learning sessions to enhance his understanding and service to the Smith College community. During his time away from work, he enjoys being with his family, tabletop gaming, attending concerts, and watching movies with family and friends.

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Luke Nierenhausen

Staff Sergeant

Sergeant Luke Nierenhausen graduated from Westfield State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2012 and began his career in law enforcement in 2014. He has been with Smith College Campus Safety since September 2021. Sergeant Nierenhausen is the department’s Defensive Tactics/Use of Force Instructor, a Field Training Officer (FTO), and enjoys being involved in community outreach events on campus. During his free time, Luke enjoys time with his family, woodworking and blacksmithing. Feel free to say hello to Luke if you see him around campus.

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Irma Lopez-Gottlieb

Sergeant

Irma Lopez-Gottlieb (she/her) started her career with Smith College in 2003 as a cook at the Davis Center. She transferred to the Smith College Campus Safety Department and became a dispatcher. With the help of the department, Irma went to the academy and became a part of the patrol staff, a RAD instructor and part of the bike patrol. She loves being a part of the Smith community. On her own time, Irma enjoys spending time with her family and their dog, being in the woods, in the water and anywhere outdoors.

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Jamee Nierenhausen

Sergeant

Jamee Nierenhausen graduated from Westfield State University with a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice in 2014. She recently earned her Graduate Leadership Certificate from Western New England University. Jamee graduated from the Special State Police Academy in 2018 and since then has become a Sexual Assault Investigator and Field Training Officer. She has been with the Smith College Campus Safety Department since October 2022. Her favorite part of working here is organizing and participating in community outreach programs. During her off time, Jamee loves being with her family, knitting and hiking outdoors.

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Melissa Roberts-Cote

Manager of Dispatch Operations and Clery Compliance Officer

Melissa was an Emergency Medical Technician for 20 years in various disciplines of medicine such as out- patient clinic/minor surgical care, phlebotomy, in-patient, as well as she worked in a Correctional Facility as a Health Educator teaching inmates about communicable diseases. During Melissa’s 20-year EMT career she simultaneously worked as an Emergency 911 Dispatcher. When she joined Smith College in 2020, she had 15 years’ experience in emergency dispatch and is now embarking on her 20th year in 2026. In addition to Melissa’s EMT Degree she also has a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice in 2010 from Kaplan University Beyond Walls.  She is a member of the NACCOP (National Association of Clery Compliance Officers and Professionals) and currently enrolled in the NACCOP CCO Advanced Certificate Program. Her favorite part of working at Smith is attending senior ball every year and first year check in to meet the student entering their first year and leaving to the next chapter of their future. Melissa’s “Fun Fact” is that she served Laura Scales her 100th birthday cake. If you see Melissa around campus, feel free to say hello.