Department of Public Safety

Emergency Management

There have been several events in recent years that serve as powerful reminders of the need for universities nationwide to be prepared for various types of emergencies. Harding University has taken steps to ensure that any emergency that could potentially occur on campus has been carefully considered, and that appropriate plans have been devised to cope with any such emergency.

Stay informed

Information about specific emergencies can be found by tuning to TV 16 television station or KVHU Radio Station (95.3 FM), by calling the Harding University Emergency Information Hotline 501-279-INFO (4636), by checking Pipeline, or by opting in to the optional text messaging service provided by Harding University. Emergency information may also be relayed through building managers, faculty, and staff and may be broadcast over loudspeaker throughout the center of campus.

To opt into the Harding University Emergency Text Message notification system, login to Pipeline.

Those outside of the University and without access to Pipeline can still see the login page for info and are encouraged to check Harding University's social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) for updates upon the release of new information.

The Emergency Management Committee

An Emergency Management Committee was formed in the fall of 2001 after the events of 9-11. The committee was charged with revising existing emergency response plans and creating new ones to better enable the university to respond to various types of emergencies should they occur on campus.

The committee is comprised of faculty and staff members from various departments and areas on campus. Some of the roles of the committee include planning and enacting disaster drills on campus, reviewing and revising emergency response policies and procedures, reviewing, updating, and implementing emergency communications, and providing emergency preparedness training for the Harding community.

Committee Members

Jean-Noel Thompson, Executive Vice President

Craig Russell, Director of Public Safety Department and Emergency Management Committee Chair

Kevin Davis, Assistant Director of Publis Safety

Karen Kelley, Assistant Professor of Nursing

Candice Moore, Assistant Vice President of University Communications and Marketing

Katie Clement, Director of News Services

Megan Stroud, Digital Media Coordinator

Hailey Pruitt, editor and writer

Danny DeRamus, Director of Physical Resources

Dana McMillion, Director of Maintenance

David Ross, Director of Human Resources

Mary Darden, Director of Student Health Services

Craig Zeringue, Insurance Coordinator

Lora Fleener, Director of Student Technical Services

Zach Neal, Assistant Dean of Students

Tammy Hall, Chief Financial Officer

April Fatula, Instructor for Department of Communications and Student Publications Advisor

Disaster Drills

In an effort to better coordinate emergency response to different types of emergency situations, the Emergency Management Committee began conducting annual disaster drills in the spring of 2002. The drills have included both full-scale “live” drills and tabletop simulations.  

The purpose of emergency drills is to:

  • Test and refine existing policies and procedures
  • Give local emergency responders better knowledge of campus needs and challenges
  • Provide opportunity for University and community departments to practice and work together in a training environment
  • Provide educational opportunities for University students
  • Identify problems and make improvements in emergency response plans

About Disaster Drills

Disaster Drills Conducted

  • Fire in a dormitory
  • Earthquake in an academic building
  • Tornado exercise in a dormitory
  • Fire in an administrative building
  • Table-top exercise for IT Department
  • Table-top exercise for Office of Student Life
  • Active shooter in the South Center for Health Sciences

Participants typically include students from:

  • Nursing
  • Drama
  • PA Program
  • PR & Journalism 
  • Pharmacy Program

There have been numerous improvements made as a direct result of lessons learned from disaster drills. These improvements include:

  • Better coordination between Harding University officials and local emergency response agencies
  • Ongoing and closer working relationships with local emergency response agencies
  • Better internal emergency response policies and procedures
  • Physical improvements to campus including the addition of Knox Boxes to every dormitory, classroom, and administrative building on campus that allow the Searcy Fire Department easy access to each building for search and rescue operations.
  • Better informed Harding community and emergency responders
Learn more

Emergency Contact Info

White County Medical Center
501-268-6121

Searcy Police (non-emergency)
501-268-3531

White County Sheriff
501-268-3543

Ark. State Police
501-279-6238

Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM)
www.adem.arkansas.gov

Contact Us

Department of Public Safety and Office of Parking & Transportation

501-279-5000

DPS@harding.edu

Tip-line: 501-305-8237 or Online Form

Location: Kendall Hall


Area Numbers

Emergency: Dial 911

White County Medical Center: 501-268-6121

Searcy Police: 501-268-3531

White County Sheriff: 501-268-3543

Ark. State Police (Local): 501-279-6238