WKRN News May 22, 2018 TSU hosts 'best practices' conference for first responders Tennessee State University is hosting the "Best Practices in Emergency Management for Higher Education Conference." The conference is bringing together more than 200 emergency management practitioners, first responders, consultants and volunteers to share best practices and lessons learned for protecting college campuses. TSU, the first historically black college or university selected to host the conference, has been recognized for its unique urban-agriculture and cutting-edge emergency preparedness initiatives that have earned the university many accolades. As a result of the recognition, TSU was presented with the "Best Practice Trophy" at last year's conference at Virginia Tech and subsequently was selected to host the 2018 conference. Thomas Graham, director of TSU's Office of Emergency Management, noted that the university offers "several preparedness classes for faculty, staff and students, as well as alumni and the community." They have also been recognized as "Storm Ready" by the National Weather Service. TSU Chief of Staff Dr. Curtis Johnson explained that there are more things for college campuses to worry about than just weather. "People are naturally aware of shootings and rape cases. Of course, we need to prepare for riots and persons who want to protest. There are a lot of protests going on currently. So, in turn, we want to be best prepared for those, and we want to educate the community on what we're doing," said Dr. Johnson. But TSU is also ready for weather disasters. "TSU has been certified as a 'Storm Ready' institution by the National Weather Service, and we go through re-certification every two years. We also have individuals on campus who work in different areas and are trained storm spotters. And that's part of getting ready and having a 24- hour contact point," explained Dr. Johnson. One of the attendees of the conference, Gary Will from Berry College in Rome, Georgia, told News 2 what his university faces. "We have the same kind of threats that other colleges face, whether it's weather, an active shooter like you see on the news today, and other threats. Whether it's emotional issues with students on campus or students stressing out over finals. These are all the kinds of threats you may see from late teenage to early teen adults," Will explained. He also said that Berry College had become "Storm Ready" designated by the National Weather Service. The conference continues through Thursday. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/