College Leadership
College Names New Public Safety Deans
RALEIGH, NC (November 26, 2025) - Wake Tech has tapped two seasoned public safety leaders to head its Fire & EMS and Justice Studies programs, strengthening education and workforce preparation for critical public safety positions across the region.
Billy Langston has been named Dean of Fire & EMS, and Philip “Mark” Sullivan will serve as Dean of Justice Studies. They will guide program development and ensure training stays cutting-edge, rigorous, and focused on student success.
“Billy and Mark bring unmatched expertise and leadership to these roles,” said Dr. Jamie Wicker, Provost of Public Safety Education and Training. “Their vision will strengthen our programs and create clear career pathways for our students.”
Billy Langston brings nearly four decades of experience in public safety. He previously served as Department Head of Wake Tech’s Emergency Medical Science and Healthcare Simulation programs.
“Training gives us the answers to the test before we are tested in real life,” said Langston. “I am committed to fostering and expanding the public safety training opportunities offered at Wake Tech.”
Langston began his career as a volunteer with Wilson’s Mills Fire Department and advanced through the ranks, earning certifications as a Firefighter, EMT, Paramedic, and Fire Instructor. His leadership roles include Division Chief at Smithfield Emergency Services and EMS Operations Chief for Johnston County. He remains active in the field as Assistant Chief with the Smithfield Fire Department.
Langston holds a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Medical Care from Western Carolina University and a master’s degree in Emergency Services Management from Columbia Southern University.
Prior to his appointment, Mark Sullivan served as Department Head of the Criminal Justice, Forensics, and Public Safety Administrative programs at Wake Tech. He has more than 30 years of experience teaching criminal justice classes.
“My passion is training professionals for the profession,” said Sullivan. “I am excited to continue helping Wake Tech students reach their full potential and embark on successful careers in public safety administration and criminal justice.”
Sullivan’s law enforcement career includes serving as District Patrol Captain for the Wilson Police Department. He holds numerous instructor certifications, including Rapid Deployment, Force on Force, Live Fire Shoot House, and Basic Life Support CPR/AED. He maintains his General and Specialized Instructor Certification in Firearms and Compliance and Control Tactics through the NC Training and Standards Commission.
Sullivan earned bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in Justice Administration from Methodist University. He also completed NC State’s Administrative Officers Management Program.
The college’s Public Safety Education Campus in Raleigh provides training for first responders and other public safety personnel, including law enforcement, NC Department of Corrections, SBI, and the Department of Homeland Security. It also offers an associate degree in Criminal Justice Technology.
Wake Tech’s state-of-the-art Public Safety Simulation Complex located at the Eastern Wake Campus in Wendell offers comprehensive, reality-based training for first responders from across the county, state, and other parts of the country. Wake Tech’s EMS program is also offered at the complex. A new Fire Rescue Training Center featuring a six-story live fire training tower and five-story rescue tower is slated for completion next year.
Learn more about public safety training and education at Wake Tech.
