Arkansas Tech University

Emergency Management Advisory Services

April 2005 – Present

Arkansas Tech University at Russellville was one of the first universities in the United States to offer a degree in Emergency Management and remains a nationally renowned center for disaster studies. In 2004, Arkansas Tech University received a three-year Congressional grant to augment its Emergency Administration and Management Academy with emergency plans and exercises and a state-of-the-art emergency operations center. James Lee Witt Associates (JLWA) was engaged by the University to provide subject matter expertise and guidance throughout this project.

JLWA works closely with faculty, staff and students to advise on the development of a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan. JLWA attended the first table top exercise under the grant, and an additional full-scale exercise is under development. These exercises will join the emergency preparedness efforts of the university and emergency responders from local, state and regional governments and the private sector.

JLWA advised Arkansas Tech on technology and structural elements to include in its new Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The first of its kind in the State, JLWA has helped the University design its EOC as a simulations laboratory where Emergency Management students receive training and hands-on experience using current and emerging technologies. Additionally, the Center will improve effectiveness of emergency personnel by providing training and support services at the county, municipal, state, regional and national levels. The EOC, praised by local and state public safety officials, will establish the campus as the off-site emergency incident command center for the State in the event of a large-scale catastrophe.

In addition, JLWA serves as the independent evaluator for the grant. The project team conducts annual assessments on the university's progress and offers recommendations for enhancing the accomplishments.

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