Texas University Joins LearnSafe Initiative

MDI Inc. recently announced the LearnSafe Initiative would begin providing services immediately to the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), which is one of the largest private institutions in Texas and the largest Catholic university in the state.

The LearnSafe Initiative combines a security curriculum, continuing education programs, and a robust suite of technology and security services. The goal of the initiative is to help administrators, teachers, students and parents deal with school safety and security issues to foster a safe environment in which children can learn without fear.

Located on a magnificent 154-acre campus in the Alamo Heights area of San Antonio, Texas UIW was established in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and is currently home to more than 6,000 students.

In addition to the university campus, LearnSafe will also be providing their risk management solutions to schools within the University’s Brainpower Connection. These include Incarnate Word High School and St. Anthony Catholic High School.

The first phase of this program is scheduled to begin immediately as LearnSafe professionals begin work in conjunction with the UIW Police Department under the direction of the UIW Safety Committee.

"The University of the Incarnate Word is a very proactive, efficient and security-minded organization and we are proud that they have chosen LearnSafe to assist in enhancing their University Police Department's current safety, security and emergency management efforts," said J. Collier Sparks, president and CEO of MDI. "Besides being one of the most prestigious and highly-regarded institutes of higher learning in Texas, UIW will now put the appropriate solutions in place to be recognized as one of the safest.”

The university currently has several tools in place to ensure the safety of its students, staff and faculty including a text and e-mail instant alert system, an on-campus siren system, an on-campus telephone broadcast system and 24/7 campus police patrol. The university is dedicated to the safety of all its students, staff and faculty and working with LearnSafe is a natural extension of that commitment.

"Providing the safest possible environment for our students, staff and community is one of UIW's top goals and we believe that LearnSafe will assist us in achieving that goal," said Joe Ramos, Incarnate Word University police chief.

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