UNC Charlotte Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Joan Lorden, recalls her experience of the tragic events of April 30, 2019. Dr. Lorden notes that she was on campus in her office discussing University business with Chief of Staff Kim Bradley when the campus-wide alerts began. She remembers that shortly thereafter she saw scores of police officers running between the Reese and Colvard buildings toward the general direction of the J. Murrey Atkins Library, and that this was followed by hundreds of students with their hands in the air moving in the opposite direction away from campus. Dr. Lorden describes leaving her office in Reese and proceeding to the Emergency Operation Center in the Facilities Management/Police and Public Safety Building where she met with Kim Bradley and Vice Chancellor for Institutional Integrity and General Counsel, James S. ("Jesh") Humphrey, noting that this is when she found out there had been injuries. The three administrators then coordinated communication responsibilities and the provision of information to the public. Dr. Lorden also discusses the next steps taken, which included the rescheduling of exams and commencement ceremonies, and the organization of a student vigil for the victims. In conclusion she discusses the impact of the shooting on the campus community, its legacy, and her thoughts on the best way to memorialize it.
