University of Tennessee Southern Secures Over $4 Million for Comprehensive Safety and Security Upgrades

Pulaski, TN – The University of Tennessee Southern has been awarded over $4 million by the state, part of a larger $6 million allocation to the University of Tennessee System for one-time investments aimed at enhancing safety and security across UT Southern’s main and east campuses. This funding initiative comes in the wake of a detailed assessment conducted in November 2023.

The comprehensive safety assessment, led by UT System Audit and Compliance, identified critical improvements needed in lighting, access control, and the delineation of campus borders. Recommendations from the assessment, grounded in the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), include the installation of energy-efficient lighting to improve natural surveillance, adjusting light timers, and maintaining vegetation to CPTED standards. The initiative will also see collaboration with the City of Pulaski to enhance street lighting, addition of ground and floodlights to various buildings, upgrading security cameras, and installing electronic door locks, ensuring all existing lighting is fully operational and introducing new fixtures in strategic locations such as walkways, entrances, parking lots, and residential areas.

These enhancements are designed not just to upgrade physical infrastructure but to reflect UT Southern’s commitment to creating a secure and inclusive environment that prioritizes student safety. By increasing safety opportunities and minimizing potential criminal activities, the university aims to ensure a welcoming atmosphere for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

The planned improvements will address the need for clearly defined borders at the East Campus with appropriate lighting and access measures, further securing the campus perimeter and reinforcing the university’s dedication to safety and security.

Chancellor Linda C. Martin expressed her gratitude to the General Assembly for their support, stating, “We are immensely thankful to the General Assembly for appropriating these critical funds. This strategic investment is a testament to their commitment to the safety and well-being of our students and community. It enables us to enhance our campus security infrastructure significantly and underscores UT Southern’s dedication to providing a safe and secure learning environment.”

This strategic investment underscores UT Southern’s dedication to prioritizing student safety and providing a secure learning and working environment for the entire community.