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January 3, 2006
Relief, Rebuild, Renew: Life after Katrina for Southwestern and Dillard University
By Ramona-Jean Perkins
It was August 29, 2005. Just like any August, I started out in eager anticipation of a new semester and new classes. I anticipated meeting my colleagues fresh from summer activities, gathering with the excitement of children on Christmas Day. We had only been in session for one week when New Orleans was placed under the first mandatory citywide evacuation. The reason was a hurricane names Katrina that was likened to no other previous storm. With winds approaching 200 mph that extended over the entire Gulf Coast, Katrina appeared to have selected the one city on the Gulf Coast that is entirely below sea level. No one however, was prepared for post-Katrina.
Fast forward to three weeks after the storm. Property was lost, family members were separated, houses were under water, communication was nonexistent. Cell phones were inoperable, there was no access to email, and in many cases, no access to television. Like everyone else, I was concerned about family, food, lodging (both immediate and future), clothing, and my students. It was not until Oct.13 that the newspaper stated that the water had completely subsided from the city of New Orleans. With campuses destroyed, students and faculty scattered, faculty furloughed, communications just barely existent, life had to go on.
In the midst of this tragedy, Southwestern University contacted Dillard University to offer relief to help rebuild in any way that Dillard University deemed necessary. Dillard accepted the offer by engaging faculty to spend three weeks in professional development in Georgetown, Texas. As for me, it was a relief toward the beginning of a sense of normality in moving forward.
During those three weeks, Southwestern University facilitated sessions that engaged faculty from both institutions as a team to retool their courses through increased utilization of technology. The time, expertise, technology and professional development served as a mechanism for recreating lost coursework, destroyed texts, materials, computers, and other technologies. The result is the utilization of advanced technologies in courses that have resumed this semester (spring 2006). Enhanced web pages, chat rooms, online conferences, enhanced electronic portfolios, and video streaming are just a few of the activities incorporated from this session. Small focus groups with students and faculty provided insight into the personal and professional ramifications of Katrina. The sincerity and dialogue with students and faculty was both calming and cathartic.
To date, I believe that the "Relief, Rebuild and Renew" motto that propels New Orleans post-Katrina is one that bridges a new purpose for both institutions. One thing is certain, and that is the wisdom, knowledge and appreciation that become byproducts of adversity. Dillard University is forever grateful for the kindness of great colleagues. We will certainly be there for Southwestern University.
Ramona Jean-Perkins is an assistant professor of education in the Division of Educational and Psychological Studies at Dillard University. She also serves as coordinator of university collaborations for Dillard.
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