Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced this week that the University of Cincinnati is among 28 colleges and universities in Ohio receiving funding for security projects that improve the safety of their campuses.

The UC Public Safety Department was awarded $250,000. The majority of the funding will be utilized to purchase two barriers that can be used to alleviate the threat of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, otherwise known as VBIED barriers. The department will use these barriers to help secure Nippert Stadium during large events, such as football games, which can attract more than 40,000 people to the stadium.

The funding will also allow the department to enhance communications capabilities, which will help UC Public Safety respond more efficiently to stadium and surrounding area incidents.

“As the university continues to grow, so do safety and security needs, especially during large events. We are grateful to the Ohio School Safety Center for awarding UC Public Safety this grant funding to allow us to further enhance the safety of events in Nippert Stadium, such as football games and commencement ceremonies,” said Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Eliot Isaac.

This is the third round of the Ohio School Safety Center's Campus Safety Grant Program, which was created in 2021.