Clark State College has been awarded a Campus Safety grant in the amount of $93,372 from the State of Ohio and the Department of Higher Education.
Jointly administered with the Department of Public Safety, this is believed to be the first statewide program of its kind in Ohio history.
Dr. Matt Franz, senior vice president for technology, safety, and strategic initiatives at Clark State, said the funds will be used to enhance the College’s ability to communicate with students, faculty and staff about emergency incidents and with local first responders.
“We will be installing voice over IP (VOIP) speakers as a public address system that will integrate with our existing emergency notification system,” said Franz. “Currently this system sends emails, text messages, messages to all computer screens and TV displays, as well as to phones on campus.”
Franz said this investment will allow Clark State to not only include areas where people might be outside of the previously mentioned technology but it also provides more accessible options for those who may have visual disabilities.
“Our goal is to maximize our ability to reach people inside our buildings during an emergency event,” he said.
Additionally, the grant will allow Clark State to purchase radios allowing the college to communicate directly with incoming first responders to improve their response and information before getting to campus.
“It will also allow us to be aware of other incidents in our area and to proactively prepare to support our sister education intuitions in the county should they need help,” said Franz.
Jon Lemen, director of risk and emergency management at Clark State, said the Campus Safety Award will greatly help Clark State meet safety needs in a timely manner.
“Having the ability to purchase (MARCS) Multi-Agency Radio Communication System, will allow us to communicate directly with the 911 communication center during an emergency,” he said. “This allows us to give direct information to the 911 operators.”
Lemen said Clark State continues to build strong partnerships with local (K-12) schools and this is another tool to increase the communication capabilities during an emergency.
“Communication is the most important aspect of any emergency situation and with this financial award we will be able to add to our resources to enhance the overall safety here at Clark State College,” he said.