Clark State College has been named as one of three finalists for the 2024 American Association of Community College (AACC) Safety Planning and Leadership Award of Excellence.
Clark State is committed to campus safety and security. With various campus policies and procedures, training exercises and on-campus security, Clark State strives to create the safest space possible for students, staff, faculty and community.
Dr. Matt Franz, senior vice president of technology, safety and strategic initiatives at Clark State said he believes a significant factor behind Clark State's recognition stems from the robust culture of safety and security fostered by students, faculty, and staff.
“While safety measures often remain dormant until a crisis arises, it's the consistent implementation of effective plans that truly make a difference,” he said. “Cultivating and sustaining a genuine culture that prioritized safety and security focusing on student and employee well-being and trauma-informed practices is paramount to our current success.
Our protocols are guided by our mission and strategic objectives, but it's the holistic support and commitment that define our approach in serving the needs of our students and community.”
The criteria for innovation in Safety Planning and Leadership as outlined by AACC include:
- College leadership has demonstrated commitment to developing safety training programs and developing leaders capable of handling safety issues.
- College has a plan for addressing safety issues as part of its ongoing programs and operations.
- College has integrated and regularly evaluates appropriate and safe use of equipment and materials in operations and programs to ensure that faculty and students operate in a safe environment.
- College provides information to students and faculty related to safety and response importance and plans.
- College has incorporated safety-related training and associated industry-recognized credentials related to safety, preparedness, and response occupations into college operations and program delivery.
- College has instituted specific programs and services to increase employee safety awareness and response.
The American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) annual Awards of Excellence underscore the association’s priorities and bring national visibility to promising practices among its member colleges.
Winners will be announced at the Awards of Excellence Gala on April 8 during the AACC Annual Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.