Clark State College has received a grant of more than $439,000 from the Ohio Department of Higher Education, distributed through the Ohio School Safety Center to enhance campus safety, including installing high-resolution cameras, improving building access and strengthening partnerships with first responders and emergency management agencies. In addition, the college plans to implement real-time weather monitoring systems to provide timely alerts regarding hazardous weather conditions.
"We sincerely appreciate the state’s focus on the safety of our community,” said Matt Franz, Ed.D., Clark State’s senior vice president of technology, safety and strategic initiatives. “Collaborating with Ohio Homeland Security and local law enforcement, we conducted comprehensive safety assessments of our facilities. When we learned about the grant opportunity, we used these assessments to inform our funding requests. As always, our ultimate goal is to provide a safe and secure space for our students, faculty and staff to thrive. Safety is paramount and we are committed to enhancing our emergency preparedness strategies. Through collaboration with local safety agencies and by leveraging technology, training and equipment, we continue to ensure our planning and response protocols are robust, sustainable and at the forefront of decision-making."
Clark State's commitment to safety is further evidenced by its proactive approach to safety and a comprehensive safety plan that includes regular safety training sessions, drills and exercises.
“Our ongoing dedication to safety ensures that all individuals at Clark State feel secure and supported in their educational environment,” said Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., Clark State president. “Clark State takes great pride in our safety culture and these upgrades will enhance the learning experience for everyone on our campuses. I extend my deepest gratitude to Governor Mike DeWine, Chancellor Randy Duffey and Public Safety Director Andy Wilson for this funding."