May 15, 2006

Community Crisis Conference Held June 22-23

BOONE—A conference addressing the various crises that can affect communities will be held June 22-23 at Appalachian State University’s Broyhill Inn and Conference Center.

“Communities in Crisis: Prevention, Response and Management” will address the array of issues likely to occur when dealing with prevention, response and management of community critical incidents, such as natural disasters, pandemics and terrorism. A simulation exercise also will be conducted.

The cost to attend the conference is $150 for nonstudents and $60 for students.  Registration includes continental breakfast and lunch both days.

Conference topics include “Policy Issues in Natural Disasters,” presented by Dr. John Pine; “Counseling Victims of Natural Disasters,” presented by Dr. Geri Miller; and “Preventing School Violence and Campus Crime,” presented by Dr. Matt Robinson. Dr. Libby Puckett will present “Critical Incidents.”

Chris Swecker, director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, will present “Perspectives on Countering the Terrorism Threat: The Importance of State and Local Efforts.” Swecker will lead Bank of America’s corporate security organization beginning in July.

Pine is director of Louisiana State University’s disaster science and management program. Miller is a professor in Appalachian’s Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling and a volunteer psychologist with the American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Services. She helps train mental health professionals to respond to the needs of people affected by crises.

Robinson is a professor in Appalachian’s Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice. His expertise is in the areas of criminological theory and crime prevention, and he has conducted environmental assessments for crime prevention purposes for local schools and universities.

Puckett is an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and directs the forensic science program at Appalachian.  

For registration, contact the Office of Conferences and Institutes at (828) 262-2744. For program information, call Matt Robinson at (828) 262-3085.

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