Nashville, TN — In response to the unsettling rise in school shootings, including a recent deadly incident at nearby Antioch High School, Trevecca Nazarene University is intensifying its active shooter training and campus security protocols.
Following the tragic shooting at Antioch High on January 22, wherein a student fatally shot one individual and injured another, Trevecca’s Chief Security Officer, James Hambrick, emphasized the university’s commitment to campus safety. “Our strategies and emergency operations procedures are in constant evaluation to ensure they meet the highest standards of safety,” said Hambrick, though he noted the details of these plans are kept confidential for security purposes.
Trevecca’s concern is not unfounded. The community is still mourning the losses from another shooting back in March 2023 at The Covenant School in Nashville, which resulted in six fatalities including Trevecca alum Katherine Koonce. These incidents have reinforced the need for robust security measures and updated training.
Hambrick detailed new initiatives aimed at both preventing and responding to such emergencies. These include enhanced patrol visibility and internal training for security personnel, as well as planned training sessions for students, faculty, and staff designed to instill readiness and awareness.
“We’ve increased our patrols significantly. It’s important our security presence is apparent to everyone on campus,” Hambrick added.
Key to Trevecca’s security strategy is ensuring that all student housing is accessible only via key card or traditional key entry, enhancing the physical security of living spaces. While academic buildings like the Mackey Education Building and the Wakefield Fine Arts Building are typically unlocked during the day to allow free student and faculty access, they can be secured quickly in the event of an emergency.
Communication during a crisis is another critical aspect of the university’s safety enhancements. Hambrick stressed the importance of the long-standing “see something, say something” policy and urged the community to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities.
Moreover, Trevecca utilizes a comprehensive alert system to promptly notify students and staff of any immediate threats or emergencies via their mobile devices. Hambrick encourages all members of the campus community to register for these notifications to ensure they receive critical information in real-time.
As these measures are implemented, the broader Trevecca community, still healing from past tragedies, is finding a renewed focus on safety and preparedness. The efforts are part of a larger, ongoing discussion on how educational institutions can best protect their students and staff from the ever-present threat of gun violence.
The urgency of addressing school safety has never been clearer as educational leaders and security experts continue to adapt to the evolving landscape of threats, aiming to forge environments where learning and growth can occur without fear.