Meet a Mountain Lion: Lisa Dipzinski, Police Sergeant

Lisa Dipzinski is a Police Sergeant at UCCS.

“Meet a Mountain Lion” is a series of stories introducing members of the UCCS community to campus. Meet Lisa Dipzinski, a Police Sergeant at UCCS.

1. Tell us about your background, and what brought you to UCCS.

I was a collegiate softball athlete at Central Michigan University, and graduated in 1991 with a bachelors degree in Exercise Science. I moved to Colorado in 1996 and started my law enforcement career with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) in Colorado Springs.

I worked for EPSO for 10 years and then decided I wanted to work for the UCCS Police Department. I have been a Mountain Lion for 14 years now. I am married to my wife, Tina, and I have three step daughters aged 25, 23 and 21. All the kids graduated from UCCS.

2. What do you do at UCCS?

I am a Police Sergeant and I supervise four patrol officers. I also am in charge of the “Patrol Training Officer” (PTO) Program. As the PTO Coordinator, I manage a team of four training officers, and my responsibility is to assign new recruit patrol officers to a PTO officer so that recruits can be trained over a 14-week training cycle. I review and approve the daily observation reports regarding the new recruits’ abilities to be professional, courteous and proactive in the field, and to maintain a high level of integrity.

3. What do you love about UCCS?

The UCCS community. I have developed many friendships in my 14 years with UCCS PD and I am thankful for each connection I have made. Of course, the students are a big plus. I get the privilege to see students progress through their four years and graduate — nothing better than that.

4. What are you working on right now?      

Move-in is happening as I type this. For the first two weeks that residents are here on campus, my team and I will be conducting many foot patrols to reach out and get to know the students and see if they are in need of anything or have any questions.

5. What energizes you at your job?     

Our Mascot, Clyde! That mountain lion is full of energy.

6. What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of?

I attended the National Command and Staff College Leadership Program, which included 320 hours of on-line training and two weeks of on-site training. I completed a capstone assignment and was awarded the “Top Graduate” honor.

7. What’s a goal you have for the future?

I would like to apply for a higher position within the UCCS Police Department.

8. What do you do with your free time?

I love going to movies and mixing popcorn with plain M&M’s. I also like to backpack in Colorado and Utah. My wife and I backpack with a group of friends. We really enjoy nature and simplicity.

9. What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

From one of my officers: The officer stated how he appreciated my leadership and how I make a point to know him, his family, and his future goals. That made my heart full and reaffirmed for me that my leadership is more appreciated than not.

Do you know a Mountain Lion that UCCS should meet? We want to hear all about them! Invite them to share their story, and we’ll tell it to the UCCS community.