Newark campus community reacts to Columbus campus tragedy
NEWARK – Classes continued at The Ohio State University at Newark today with heavy hearts as thoughts were with those injured today on the Ohio State Columbus campus.
“What happened on the Columbus campus of Ohio State is tragic,” said Ohio State Newark Dean/Director William L. MacDonald. “Because the Newark and Columbus campuses are so close to each other, a number of faculty, staff and students regularly travel between the two campuses on university business. Some of our students take classes in Columbus, and some of our faculty teach classes or conduct research in Columbus. When something like this happens, we all are affected.”
Students on the Newark campus were visibly shaken by the Columbus campus tragedy. They gathered in groups on campus glued to their phones, waiting for the latest information on what was happening.
Ohio State Newark Associate Professor of Political Science Nathaniel Swigger, Ph.D., was walking into his Columbus campus office this morning in Derby Hall when he saw students running out of the building. He locked down in his office until the situation was under control.
“I just stayed in my office like the authorities instructed. I never imagined this would happen,” said Swigger. “I was thankful when it was over.”
The Newark campus has trained personnel, including a uniformed officer, and an emergency plan that involves several public safety departments, local hospitals and Ohio State public safety officials should a situation like this ever happen in Newark. Newark Police officers came to the Newark campus immediately after news broke of the situation in Columbus today to make sure the campus was secure.
“We are thankful to Newark Police for their support of our campus,” said MacDonald. “When something like this happens, you realize it could happen anywhere. I’m thankful our campus and our community is prepared.”
Students, faculty and staff can register to receive emergency alert notifications at https://dps.osu.edu/alert-notices.
The Ohio State University at Newark offers an academic environment that’s challenging but supportive with world-renowned professors and access to Ohio State’s more than 200 majors. It’s where learning comes to life. Research, study abroad and service learning opportunities prepare students for their careers in ways they never expected.
Category: Education
