Jay Hackett, Milton’s director of campus safety and risk management, has achieved the “gold standard” in addressing safety and security issues at sporting events, according to a national organization recognizing Jay’s leadership. Jay was included among professionals from Major League Baseball, the National Football Association, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation who received Professional of the Year Awards from the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Milton’s campus as a whole was nominated for the National Sport Safety and Security Facility of Merit award. “Receiving the professional award was a big honor, but the one I really wanted to win was the facility award, because we truly are a team here,” says Jay. “Between the campus safety employees, facilities department, athletics, trainers, the Milton Police and Fire Departments and the Fallon Ambulance Service, everybody is part of keeping things running smoothly.”
The award honors those who go above and beyond the basic requirements of safety and security, says NCS4 director Dr. Lou Marciani. “The reason for the Professional of the Year Award is to allow professional leagues, NCAA member institutions, and marathon and endurance organizations to honor outstanding individuals in the field of sports safety and security, for their contributions and leadership,” Dr. Marciani said in a press release. The NCS4 Gold Standard is an industry benchmark that considers safety and security while balancing costs, operational efficiencies and staff engagement, all while enhancing the fan experience. In his 30 years of campus safety experience, Jay says practices in emergency preparedness and safety training have improved immensely.
Jay’s team meets the challenges of managing event crowds head-on. With campus-wide events such as graduation and Reunion Weekend, the team works with departments across campus and beyond to execute an operational plan—which includes traffic management—to make sure everyone is safe and has a great time. “Everything is a team effort,” Jay says.