JMU Authors Release 'Understanding Homeland Security' Textbook

From: Media Relations

May 7, 2007

HARRISONBURG — John Noftsinger, Kenneth Newbold and Jack Wheeler of James Madison University have written the first comprehensive academic text regarding homeland security. "Understanding Homeland Security: Policy, Perspectives, and Paradoxes" is published by Palgrave Macmillan.

As a text for students of homeland security, public policy and terrorism studies, "Understanding Homeland Security" explores the complex issues within the emerging domestic protection framework, providing current and future practitioners with a thorough view of the social, psychological, technological and political aspects that have shaped the growth of this movement.

Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, the authors have created a text that is all-encompassing. On one hand, the book provides an analysis of how past events have formed the terrain for homeland security within the Unites States, offering an in-depth look at government response to both man-made and natural hazards, conveying the message that there are valuable lessons to be learned from history. Further, with an emphasis on emergency management and effective frontline response, "Understanding Homeland Security" identifies and examines key operations within this arena, including bureaucratic and legislative initiatives, critical infrastructure protection, information/cyber security, public health, border and transportation security, intelligence collection and dissemination and emerging issues.

The text includes a foreword by John O. Marsh, former Secretary of the Army, congressman and counselor with cabinet rank to President Gerald Ford. In addition, each chapter begins with a hypothetical scenario and ends with a case study, placing the reader in decision-making positions in which they must explore the nuances of homeland security and develop creative solutions based upon the guidance presented throughout the book.

The text has received critical acclaim from notable figures in this growing field:
"To illuminate Homeland Security is an ambitious undertaking in a world where the topic often generates more heat than light. Through integration of governmental, business, and academic perspectives, the authors succeed in providing the reader with a vital framework for understanding."
— Dr. Gregory Saathoff, Executive Director of the Critical Incident Analysis Group at University of Virginia's School of Medicine

"The balancing and integration of subjects that impact public and private sector organizations as well as academia provide the instructor and student with a unique text that will also serve as a ready reference long after the class has concluded."
— Paul Maniscalco, Chairman of the Gilmore National Terrorism Commission

About the Authors:
John B. Noftsinger Jr. is the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs for Research and Public Service, Executive Director of the Institute for Infrastructure and Information Assurance, and Associate Professor of Integrated Science and Technology and Education at James Madison University. In this capacity, Noftsinger has been actively engaged in developing homeland security programs and policy. He is a founding member of the Executive Committee of the Virginia Institute for Defense and Homeland Security and Deputy Chairman of the University of Virginia's Critical Incident Analysis Group (CIAG) Steering Committee. He is currently a Senior Fellow of the George Washington University Homeland Security Policy Institute (HSPI). In 2002, Noftsinger's statewide leadership was recognized when he was appointed co-chair of the Virginia Research and Technology Advisory Commission (VRTAC), which advises the governor of Virginia on appropriate research and technology strategies.
Contact Information: Phone — 540-568-2700; E-mail — noftsijb@jmu.edu

Kenneth F. Newbold Jr. serves as the Associate Director for the Institute for Infrastructure and Information Assurance with a focus on administration and finance for James Madison University's effort within the broad area of homeland security. He is responsible for the day to day operations of the Institute for Infrastructure and Information Assurance including budgeting, external relationships, research and personnel. His research interests include critical infrastructure protection with a focus on the human component of infrastructure systems as well as government oversight within the emerging area of homeland security. Newbold is a graduate of Bridgewater College and holds a master's degree in Public Administration from James Madison University.
Contact Information: Phone — 540-568-1739; E-mail — newbolkf@jmu.edu

Jack K. Wheeler, MPA, serves as a Security Consultant for the Security, Privacy, Wireless and IT Governance division of IBM Global Business Services, Public Sector. In this role, Wheeler has developed innovative security policy solutions and management plans for multiple federal government clients. In addition, formerly serving as Graduate Fellow for the Institute for Infrastructure and Information Assurance, Wheeler engaged in numerous research efforts focused upon heightened security within the hazardous materials transportation sector, the analysis of governmental emergency response, and the application of homeland security-related legislation. A native of Bath, N.Y., he holds a B.S. in Business Administration from SUNY Geneseo (2003) and a Master of Public Administration from James Madison University (2006).
Contact Information: Phone — 607-329-8697; E-mail — jack.wheeler@us.ibm.com

# # #