Maintain credibility in a crisis with strong communication guidelines

I started writing this column with a different theme in mind a few days prior to the tragic shooting at Brown University on Dec. 13, 2025, and quickly decided to switch topics after one of the first press conferences held by campus and local officials. I closely followed the updates in the hours and days that followed, ultimately deciding to memorialize my observations in real time, imagining myself managing the same situation if it were ever to occur on my campus. Disclaimer: This is not an armchair quarterback narrative or criticism of how things are being managed in Rhode Island. The situation is evolving so rapidly that what is known as I write this and what will be known when you read it are worlds apart. My thoughts are with the families, all of my colleagues and counterparts at Brown, and locally to all those who are affected in Providence.