The Owensboro Police Department has deemed an email threat was not credible at Brescia University on Wednesday morning. School officials said OPD officers may been seen around campus as an extra precaution but said there is no active threat.
Rachel Whelan, BU Director of Public Relations and Marketing, said the university was “one of hundreds of schools nationwide” that received an email Wednesday morning containing a possible threat.
“The content of the email was reviewed with the Owensboro Police Department who determined that there is no active threat to Brescia’s campus,” she said.
Lt. Chris Burns, acting OPD Public Information Officer, said the threat was “similar to the incident a couple of weeks ago where numerous college admissions offices received an email indicating a bomb threat.” He noted that the previous threat was also deemed not credible.
Whelan said the following information was emailed to the Brescia community by Dr. Lori Etheridge, BU Vice President For Student Affairs/Dean Of Students and Title IX Coordinator, regarding the situation:
Greetings Bearcats,
This morning, Brescia University received information indicating a possible threat. After reviewing the content with Owensboro Police Department, it has been determined that there is no active threat to campus. However, if you are on campus today, you may see OPD walking around. This is out of an abundance of caution.
I hope you are able to schedule some downtime during Spring Break! Please be mindful of a few safety and security reminders, whether traveling or staying on campus. We are an open campus and will have those who visit our campus. This can be a wonderful opportunity to share our beautiful spaces; however, we also need to be aware of our surroundings.
We encourage our campus community to:
- Check weather and alerts before traveling
- Lock your room, office, and vehicle when unoccupied
- Do not leave items unattended in common areas
- Walk in well-lighted areas
- Do not travel alone at night
- Let someone know when you see suspicious activity
It is important for our community to practice “See something? Say something.”
Reports can be made through:
- Campus Security or our Student Affairs Administrator On Call at 270-686-4300.
- CARE Team Student of Concern Form
- Student Affairs Incident Report
- File a Title IX Report
- Dr. Lori Etheridge, Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students & Title IX Coordinator, 270-686-4332
- Mrs. Melissa Scuderi, Director of Residence Life, 270-686-4332
In all emergencies, we encourage you to contact 911 and then a university official.
Thank you for your help in keeping our community safe!
