Vision Al Blog
In this episode, Joe Souza puts his experience on the line as former Director of Security for University of Florida. Amidst the excitement of a new fall semester and freshman class, comes the reality that more and more, these campuses are considered soft targets. Joe, joined by Patrick Welsh, Oosto’s General Manager and a campus security expert, discusses key issues such as campus protests, student well-being, and active shooter situations. They issue a call for innovation and urge universities to enhance security and safety measures to protect students and staff.
Tune in to learn more in our latest episode of Innovation Obsessed.
Episode 1: Tackling Security Challenges in Higher Education
Higher education institutions face unique and evolving security challenges. As the fall semester approaches, universities are preparing to safeguard their campuses from a variety of threats, from protests and security breaches to ensuring the well-being of students and staff. In this episode, we explore these critical issues with two seasoned experts in the field.
Meet the Experts
Joe Souza
Vice President, Sales, Serverli
Editorial Advisory Board, Campus Security & Life Safety Campus
Frmr. Director Of Security, University of Florida
LinkedIn
Joe has an extensive background in security, including his role as the Director of Security for the University of Florida. Joe’s career journey, from early security roles to leading comprehensive security programs at major universities, offers valuable insights into effective campus security strategies.
Patrick Welsh
General Manager, Americas Oosto
LinkedIn
Patrick brings over 25 years of experience in enterprise security and technology. Patrick’s deep understanding of AI and decision support systems helps universities implement proactive security measures effectively.
Shawn Fontenot
Vice President, Global Marketing, Oosto
LinkedIn
Shawn brings nearly two decades of expertise in AI and SaaS technology. Shawn’s leadership in go-to-market strategies and her deep understanding of security challenges make her an insightful moderator for this episode.
What You’ll Learn
Current Security Threats:
Understand what makes universities soft targets, including protests, active shooters, and other safety concerns.
“Protests at universities are nothing new,” says Joe. “But the political climate today has made these protests more violent, posing significant risks to campus safety.”
Proactive Strategies:
Learn about the policies, procedures, and technologies that can help campuses stay ahead of potential security issues.
Patrick emphasizes, “It’s better if you can prevent incidents rather than just react to them. Using data and AI can help security professionals be proactive rather than reactive.”
Balancing Security and Privacy:
Get insights into how universities can implement advanced security measures while respecting the privacy and rights of students and staff.
“There’s an education opportunity when it comes to facial recognition and other technologies,” notes Patrick. “It’s about understanding what these technologies actually do and how they can be used responsibly.”
Real-World Examples:
Hear about actual incidents and how effective security practices and technologies made a difference.
Joe shares, “One of the biggest concerns that’s existed for decades now, going back to Columbine, is active shooter scenarios. Training and proactive measures are key to preventing these tragedies.”
Why Listen?
Every two weeks, Innovation Obsessed brings you compelling stories, expert panel discussions, and thought leadership in the realms of safety, security, and operational efficiency. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone involved in campus security or interested in the broader challenges of protecting large, dynamic environments.
Tune In and Get Inspired
Don’t miss out on the latest episode of Innovation Obsessed. Whether you’re a security professional, an educator, or just passionate about innovative solutions, this podcast offers valuable perspectives and practical advice.
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