Missouri S&T Wins 2025 Campus Safety Impact Award for Comprehensive Safety Initiative

The 2025 Campus Safety Impact Award goes to Missouri University of Science and Technology for its S&T Comprehensive Safety Initiative—a groundbreaking program that redefines what campus safety can look like in higher education.

Launched in 2017 and continually evolving, the initiative has transformed Missouri S&T’s campus through a three-pillar approach: technology innovation, community collaboration, and holistic wellbeing support.

Technology That Protects Everyone

Missouri S&T became the first campus in the University of Missouri System to implement the RAVE Guardian mobile safety platform, connecting students, staff, and visitors directly with University Police through text, calls, GPS-enabled virtual escorts, and emergency instructions. Integrated with the university’s Mass Notification System, the app even allows temporary visitors—like vendors and families—to receive emergency alerts during their time on campus.

The university also built a state-of-the-art security infrastructure: 400+ high-definition surveillance cameras, a card-access system that allows police to monitor and secure buildings remotely, and direct integration with local 911 dispatch centers for faster, coordinated emergency response.

Community-First Crisis Response

Recognizing that safety extends beyond law enforcement, Missouri S&T forged a regional partnership with the South-Central Crisis Intervention Team, spanning six counties and involving 25 organizations—from law enforcement agencies to mental health professionals and social service groups.

This collaboration ensures that crises are met with trauma-informed, de-escalation-based responses. Officers receive specialized crisis intervention training, EMS-trained personnel expand emergency medical response, and lifesaving tools like NARCAN and AEDs are widely available across campus.

A Culture of Collaboration and Care

Partnership is at the heart of the initiative. which integrates with campus-based programs like UCARE, the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), the Prevention Coalition, and the Health and Well-Being Committee, creating a continuum of care that blends immediate response with long-term support.

Recognized and Replicable

The impact has been recognized nationally, with Missouri S&T previously earning spots on the Safe Campus Top 25 list and the Rave Trailblazer Award. Its framework—blending advanced technology, regional collaboration, and holistic-focused care—is now seen as a replicable model for higher education safety nationwide.

“This initiative isn’t just about cameras or alerts—it’s about building a connected, compassionate system where safety, mental health, and collaboration come together to protect everyone,” said Chief of Police Doug Roberts, who has led the program since its inception.

Congratulations to Missouri S&T for leading the way in creating safer, healthier, and more welcoming campuses. We deeply appreciate every institution that shared their program with us this year and celebrate the powerful strides campuses are making to strengthen safety and well-being in their communities. Stay tuned—applications for the 2026 Campus Safety Impact Award will open next spring!