NSUBA's Hall to attend Homeland Security workshop

Broken Arrow, Okla. James Buster Hall, assistant professor of criminal justice at Northeastern State University-Broken Arrow, has been selected to attend a faculty development workshop offered August 15-19 in Monterey, Calif., by the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

The faculty workshop objective is to provide instructors with knowledge of homeland security priorities and availability of instructional resources. Hall is one of just 30 faculty chosen nationwide to attend the workshop, the second offered by the Naval Postgraduate School.

The NPS is the most prestigious institution that teaches homeland security, Hall said. It is at the forefront of all innovation in our discipline. It will provide some interesting insight into several aspects of homeland security such as infrastructure security and cyber-protection.

Workshop instructors will discuss facets of homeland security such as technology, intelligence and civil-military relations. Attendees will share teaching methods, be provided reading lists and even assigned homework.

The workshop is organized by the NPS CHDS through its University Agency and Partnership Initiative. By participating, higher learning institutions with homeland security curriculum can collaborate to enhance programs and increase the enrollment and diversity of students receiving homeland security instruction.

NSU offers a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice with a homeland security emphasis. Students are taught appropriate response measures for emergencies whether perpetrated, accidental or natural. Courses available at NSU include an introductory class, emergency and disaster planning, terrorism, disaster response and recovery and emergency management skills.

By attending the workshop I can be a better teacher for NSU, Hall said. This gives me a chance to work with 29 other people from all across the country. It is a wonderful learning opportunity for me.

While Hall wants to expand his expertise in homeland security and pass it on to his students, he also wishes to create opportunities for them after graduation.

I also would like to network with instructors in other parts of the country where demand for homeland security proficiency is highest, Hall said. These skills are most in demand along the coasts in port cities and at international borders. A goal of the workshop is to produce a national pool of knowledge and this can increase employment opportunities for NSU graduates.

Hall added that he considered selection for the workshop an honor.

Ive been to similar conferences but not one that offers this potential, Hall said. I feel privileged to be able to attend and look forward to representing NSU.