In an exclusive interview with WAAY 31 Morning Anchor Demetria Green, Alabama A&M University President Dr. Daniel Wims shared his side of the recent campus shootings and how his administration is working to prevent it from happening again.
Wims says the on-campus police department and security office are fully staffed and certified -- an achievement he is very proud of. He says this distinction allows them to quickly contain, reconcile and de-escalate hostile situations.
On March 18, emotions were running high after reports of a gunman on the campus. As university leaders scrambled to execute their emergency plan for the second time this academic year, one man -- whose job is to be the face of calm in chaos -- was tasked with protecting the lives of thousands of students and staff.
"One of the issues most parents are concerned about is the safety of their children,” said Wims. “They don't send their children to college to be harmed.”
The situation only lasted minutes, but the impact lasts forever. This is why Wims wants to address the root of the problem. He created three measures to improve students’ safety and well-being on campus. "We've invested hundreds and thousands of dollars into safety initiatives. We're coming back with our blue light telephones,” said Wims. "We're also placing cameras all over the campus."
There is strong emphasis on mental health counseling and finding ways to resolve the conflict. "We're finding that our students sometimes respond quickly and inappropriately and are not able to de-escalate [the situation]. We have to teach them, there is another way,” he said.
But, not everyone agrees with the administration's approach -- as several posts and articles online are quick to point out. In response, Wims says, “It comes with the territory. I've been in higher administration for 30 years. It is a collision sport. It comes with criticism.”
He says he appreciated the feedback, even if it is not positive because he knows how to filter information. “You have to be careful in how you absorb, ingest and digest criticism because it will paralyze you. I take it as a springboard,” said Wims.
That springboard launched several new initiatives on campus to become an oasis in Madison County, including renovated dorms, new smart classrooms, more greenspaces, a memorial for the Council Training School, new STEM and student amenities buildings -- in the design phase, and the purchase of a mountain behind the campus.
To keep growing and expanding the campus, they need cash -- to which Wims says, they are owed. “There's a lot of make up the state and federal have to do for a lack of attention and a lack of funding. We're making the ask and advocating for not only equity but for catchup,” he said.
The goal is to have the Bulldog name known around the world like the Tide and Tigers. “I want to set the institution up for the next 20 to 25 years to where it has continual growth.”
There is much more to this two-hour interview as Wims also talks about record firsts for the university and its 150-year anniversary campaign. For more in our digitally exclusive segment, click HERE.
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