April 19, 2007
Looking back over the past few days, grief over the tragic loss of innocent life at Virginia Tech on Monday has greatly affected all of us. The outpouring of support and concern from all over the world and all across our campuses has been touching.
I appreciate the responsiveness shown throughout the university system by timely efforts to review our own security and emergency management plans and programs. We're working hard to identify ways to make them better and to ensure UT is prepared to deal with crisis situations.
Each campus plan is supported by well-trained police officers. Our capabilities are further strengthened through strong partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement and emergency responders.
A critical piece of maximizing our effectiveness will be working to ensure a rapid flow of timely, clear and credible information. In the end, our students, faculty and staff are the heart and soul of our emergency management team. Your feedback and questions over the past week have played an important role in defining areas where we can improve our programs and our communication to you about our plans and procedures.
As each campus, institute and unit continues to enhance plans and preparation for emergency response, please continue to share your thoughts with supervisors and campus leaders. Your knowledge, vigilance and initiative will enhance our readiness for future challenges.
Thank you, again, for your care and concern and for your willingness to be a part of making our campuses safer.
—President John Petersen
