FEMA’s New Disaster University: A Boost or Threat to Emergency Management Education?

As a professor of emergency management, I have mixed emotions regarding the transition from the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) to the National Disaster Emergency Management University (NDEMU). On the one hand, I understand and resonate with many of my colleagues' concerns—fearing that this move may be a step backward for our profession. However, I also see an opportunity here. If we can come together as a community, perhaps we can use this transition as a catalyst to elevate and refine the professional standards of our field. While the path forward may be uncertain, our collective efforts could turn this change into a positive force for the future of emergency management. -Todd T DeVoe MPA, CEM

The evolution of FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) into the National Disaster and Emergency Management University (NDEMU) marks a significant milestone in how we approach education and training in our field. This transformation represents FEMA's recognition of the growing complexity of our challenges—from global pandemics to climate change—and the necessity for a more integrated and comprehensive approach to emergency management education. However, while this shift is promising, it's essential to acknowledge that much work remains to be done to advance the field truly.

For emergency management to evolve beyond its current state, we must build a robust body of work that includes original research. This is not merely about training the next generation of emergency managers with technical skills; it’s about developing a deep, evidence-based understanding of the multifaceted challenges and strategies that can effectively address them. To achieve this, we require a solid academic foundation that encourages rigorous research, critical analysis, and innovative problem-solving.