September 26, 2023
The Catholic University of America has created an Office of Emergency Management to enhance safety and security on and around campus, hiring Renaud D. Scott II as the University’s program director for emergency response planning.
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will coordinate emergency planning and management operations for the University. This includes the development and implementation of robust emergency preparedness programs and initiatives aimed at equipping the entire campus community with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to emergencies.
The primary objective of OEM is to provide comprehensive safety training for students, faculty, and staff. These training programs will cover various emergency scenarios, ensuring that individuals across the campus are well prepared to handle unexpected events. The office will also focus on preparedness, ensuring the University has the resources, protocols, and communications systems to respond to emergencies. In an emergency, OEM will play a vital role in coordinating the University’s response efforts. This includes aiding in mobilizing resources, personnel, and communication channels to address the situation swiftly and efficiently. Besides the Department of Public Safety, his colleagues and teammates will include Facilities, Tech Services, and the Dean of Students.
In addition, OEM will spearhead long-term recovery planning. This aspect of its work will encompass strategies returning to normal operations and addressing any lingering effects of an emergency.
“We are delighted to welcome Renaud to Catholic University,” said Kirk McLean, associate vice president for public safety and emergency management. “His expertise and dedication to emergency management processes will certainly enhance our ability to Keep Catholic Safe. We look forward to the positive impact he will make.”
Scott, a native Washingtonian, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, which includes military service and work in local government, and federal agencies. He served as a noncommissioned officer in the U.S. Army and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat.
Before coming to Catholic University, Scott served as deputy associate director for operations and intelligence at the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA). He attended the Paul Laurence Dunbar Pre-Engineering High School in Washington, D.C., and earned his Bachelor of Arts in emergency disaster management at American Military University.
