Crocker named emergency manager
Brent Crocker
Brent Crocker has been named Mississippi State University’s emergency manager, filling a new position created to administer the university’s emergency management efforts.
As part of MSU’s Division of Student Affairs, the emergency manager reports directly to Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt.
“Safety and security is a top priority for Mississippi State University, and our efforts related to emergency management will be tremendously enhanced with the addition of Brent in this role,” Hyatt said. “Brent’s prior experience on campus and with county and regional emergency agencies will be a great benefit to us. Via enhanced training, communications and response systems, Brent will be a vital asset to increase our ability to respond to any campus crisis or emergency situation.”
Crocker has spent the last 14 years as a staff member in MSU’s Department of Recreational Sports, most recently serving as associate director of programming. In that role, Crocker has been active in emergency management, including establishing a monthly emergency training and assessment program for Recreational Sports. He has also spent 10 years serving as a part-time emergency medical technician with OCH Regional Medical Center. Crocker holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in information systems, both from MSU’s College of Business.
In his new position, Crocker will evaluate and update the university’s emergency management plan, as well as work in cooperation with Oktibbeha County Emergency Management, Mississippi Emergency Management Association, Mississippi Department of Homeland Security and local authorities to ensure effective response during emergencies.
“Working as an EMT, I’ve been able to work with some great first responders,” Crocker said. “I’ve been able to work with local law enforcement, work with county and city fire departments and been able to attend trainings and see emergency management plans in action. Being involved in those types of emergencies is what I think has really helped prepare me for taking on this role. I’ve met some great people and built some strong relationships.”
In addition to maintaining strong relationships with outside entities, Crocker will serve as a member of MSU’s Crisis Action Team and ensure university personnel have the information and resources necessary for a coordinated emergency response among university units. He also will develop training opportunities and promote emergency management to members of the MSU community.
The new emergency manager, who formally began his new role Jan. 1, said communication will be key to emergency preparedness and response efforts. He emphasized that all university students, faculty and staff should be signed up for Maroon Alert, MSU’s emergency notification system. The steps for signing up for Maroon Alert can be found at www.emergency.msstate.edu/text-messaging.
“That’s going to be our main way of communicating important information,” Crocker said. “We want to encourage everyone to follow instructions from Maroon Alert and be cautious about taking action based on social media posts and things like that.”
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.
James Carskadon | Public Affairs
