Director's Message

It is an honor and a privilege to assume the role of Director of the National Institute for Homeland Security and Anti-Terrorism Preparedness (NIHAP) on behalf of Nova Southeastern University, Educational Impact, Inc. and Signature Science, LLC. NIHAP is committed to helping educators and the communities they serve become safer by providing research-based, credible information through a variety of communication vehicles. Providing online resources, University research, data collection, and ongoing tracking of events and case studies worldwide are just a few of the goals NIHAP will pursue. These pursuits will also provide the basis for an annual conference, a graduate level certificate program and a Masters Degree in Education tied to homeland security and anti-terrorism preparedness.

What makes NIHAP unique is our focus on keeping America's schools and their most valuable asset — students — safe. This task will not be possible unless we also address the needs of the communities they serve including businesses, residents and governmental agencies. Another feature that makes NIHAP unique is our commitment to study all aspects of school safety and homeland security issues including biological, nuclear, radiological, chemical threats as well as student discipline comprehensively.

Lastly NIHAP hopes to serve as an active partner with other organizations and institutions that are dedicated to helping make America safer. NIHAP will strive to create a "one stop shop" where people can learn, share, dialog and study. Please join us in our efforts to help NIHAP successfully achieve its honorable mission.

William D. Alvarez, Ed.D.

Director, National Institute for Homeland Security
and Anti-terrorism Preparedness