GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University will enhance security measures on campus with funds received in a grant from the state of Tennessee.
Dr. Scott Hummel
The Department of Finance and Administration and the Office of Criminal Justice Programs recently awarded a $120,000 Higher Education Safety Grant to Tusculum. The funds will enable Tusculum to continue advancing its proactive approach to maintaining a safe environment on campus using the most up-to-date technology.
Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president, said the university was grateful to the state for supporting the higher education institution’s additional efforts to promote safety.
“Safety for our students, faculty, staff and guests is paramount to our operations at Tusculum,” Dr. Hummel said. “We know students and their parents are looking for a safe campus environment where students can focus on their academic preparation, career readiness and personal development. We provide a fun, engaging and welcoming atmosphere but are cognizant of the importance to take necessary steps to ensure people’s safety. We are always examining ways we can protect everyone on campus.”
With the infusion of funds from this grant, Tusculum will be able to make adjustments to its key card systems that will keep the university on the cutting edge. Tusculum was among the first higher education institutions to adopt this technology, and the updates the university will make will enable it to further demonstrate its leadership in this arena. The changes will result in higher capacity and increased functionality.
Edward Roberts
Tusculum’s commitment to safety was evident in December when the university conducted an active shooter drill in collaboration with local public safety agencies. That event further built the relationships between Tusculum and these agencies and provided each with valuable tools that will strengthen the response should such an incident ever take place on campus.
Recently, the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Campus Communities and the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association awarded Tusculum $1,000 to support an educational project during the spring semester at Tusculum focused on alcohol education, bystander intervention, prevention of impaired driving, and/or social norms.
During the height of the global coronavirus pandemic, the university developed a comprehensive plan to protect all Tusculum family members and the community as much as possible from exposure and illness.
When Tusculum holds events on campus, safety is always taken into account with appropriate planning conducted by everyone involved.
“Security measures are a key component to providing an environment where people can enjoy themselves,” said Edward Roberts, vice president of institutional advancement. “We appreciate the state’s support in helping us implement our newest measures in a cost-effective manner. We will remain vigilant in searching for grants and other funding that will keep us on a path that embraces safety.”
More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.