Purdue Global to host FEMA official for ‘Equity in Emergency Management’ webinar

Webinar highlights importance for individuals, families and communities to be prepared for disasters and emergencies as September marks National Preparedness Month 

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – In conjunction with National Preparedness Month, Purdue Global will host a webinar featuring Sherman Gillums Jr., FEMA’s director of the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination, at 6 p.m. ET Thursday, Sept. 28, via Zoom. The “Equity in Emergency Management” webinar will highlight awareness and the importance of preparation for natural disasters and emergencies.

“The public safety faculty are excited to welcome FEMA Director Sherman Gillums Jr. for an interactive discussion on equity in emergency management,” said Shane Kelley, associate dean in Purdue Global’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “In conjunction with National Preparedness Month and this year's theme laid out by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, we think it is important to help everyone, especially older and disabled persons and their caregivers, in their emergency and disaster preparedness plans.”

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The webinar, hosted by the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, is open to public safety students, alumni and partners as a part of the school’s efforts to increase awareness of the programs available. The event also allows Purdue Global students to engage with industry leaders in their particular field of interest. Register here to sign up for the webinar.

Sherman Gillums Jr. (Photo provided) Download image

Gillums joined FEMA in August 2022. In his role, Gillums ensures that FEMA is committed to meeting the emergency management needs of those with disabilities, including older adults, as well as others with access and functional needs. 

“This is a great opportunity for students, faculty and alumni to positively impact their families and communities by understanding more about emergency preparation and response. I think the opportunity to hear from Director Gillums directly is timely as we move toward the end of the traditional hurricane season,” Kelley said.

Purdue Global’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers many degree programs related to preparedness, including fire science, emergency management and homeland security. Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults.

National Preparedness Month is observed each September, reminding Americans of the importance for all individuals, families and communities to have an emergency plan in place, as disasters can strike at any time.

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://stories.purdue.edu/purdue-global/. 

Writer/Media contact: Adam Bartels, Adam.Bartels@purdueglobal.edu

Sources: Shane Kelley, Sherman Gillums Jr.