From Theory to Practice: Risk, Continuity, and Emergency Management in Higher Education

From Theory to Practice: Risk, Continuity, and Emergency Management in Higher Education

This presentation explores how risk, business continuity, and emergency management are taught across higher education, and how those concepts are actually implemented within university operations. It examines the gap between traditional, structured approaches like ICS and NIMS and more adaptive, capability-based models that better reflect the realities of complex, decentralized institutions. Attendees will gain insight into how academic programs are evolving, how universities organize and manage these functions, and practical considerations for strengthening resilience in real-world settings.

Bio

Brandon Robbins is a Senior Program Manager for the WashU Continuity Program at Washington University in St. Louis, where he works with departments across the institution to strengthen organizational resilience through business continuity and emergency management. In addition to his role at WashU, Brandon serves as an instructor at Saint Louis University, where he teaches courses in emergency management, business continuity, and risk planning. He also serves as the Board Chair for AmeriCorps St. Louis and is a member of the Adaptive Advisory Group for Adaptive Business Continuity. With a background in emergency management and as a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Brandon brings both operational experience and strategic perspective to his work.