The University of St. Thomas College of Arts and Sciences has launched a Master of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management program designed to prepare current and future emergency management professionals to lead through a rapidly changing risk landscape.
The program welcomed its first cohort in fall 2026 and prepares students to anticipate and respond to emerging threats while developing skills in areas such as strategic foresight, cross-sector collaboration and the use of emerging technologies.
Tanya Gladney, an associate professor in the department of Justice and Society Studies, brings professional law enforcement and military experience to her role as program director.
“My passion for designing the Emergency and Disaster Management program is rooted in the university’s mission to serve and strengthen the communities in which we live and work,” Gladney said.
The program comes as the role of emergency managers continues to evolve. In addition to natural disasters and other traditional emergencies, professionals today must prepare for elaborate crises involving cyberattacks, misinformation, public health emergencies and civil unrest.
“The future of emergency management will not be defined by how we respond to the last disaster. It will be defined by whether we are willing to prepare for the next one before it arrives,” said Kristi Rollwagen, an instructor in the program who has three decades of emergency management and fire service experience.
Students will also explore how data, analytics and emerging technologies can support preparedness and response, as well as how collaboration among government, nonprofits, the private sector and community and faith-based organizations can strengthen resilience.
“Emergency managers can no longer prepare only for the disasters we already know,” Rollwagen said. “We need leaders who can look ahead and adapt quickly when the unexpected happens. This program is about giving the next generation of emergency management professionals the tools and perspective to do exactly that.”
