February 2026 Honoree

Laura Gustavson exemplifies Everyday Excellence by consistently working to ensure that Georgia Tech is prepared to operate safely through disruption. In her role as assistant director of Emergency Management – a vital component of the Georgia Tech Police Department – she leads an Institute-wide continuity program spanning more than 140 unit plans, working individually with plan managers to ensure each one is current, actionable, and aligned with Institute policy. Her work directly supports the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors by ensuring essential operations remain stable and coordinated during emergency incidents. Colleagues rely on her not only for technical expertise, but for her responsiveness and steady guidance.

 

That strong foundation proves critical during high-impact events such as winter weather activations. Laura shifts seamlessly from strategic planning to incident response—coordinating stakeholders, advising executive leaders, and aligning immediate actions with recovery needs. Through collaboration, sound judgment, and consistent professionalism, she safeguards people and the campus while reinforcing Georgia Tech’s culture of readiness.