The purpose of the study was to examine hurricane emergency preparedness planning at institutions of higher learning of the Gulf South region following Hurricane Katrina. The problem addressed the impact of Hurricane Katrina on decision-making and policy planning processes. The focus was on individuals that administer the hurricane emergency preparedness plans and processes at universities. The research sought comprehension of the complexity of responsibilities while aspiring to build more effective policy. The research procedures consisted of two phases. The first phase of the research used the hurricane emergency preparedness plans of universities and colleges in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi to create a simple content analysis. The second phase of the research design consisted of interviewing of four participants who were institutional authorities from the universities in the Gulf South region. The interviews were conducted telephonically and in person. One research question asked whether Hurricane Katrina impacted the hurricane emergency preparedness planning at institutions of higher learning. A second research question asked if the plans are mandated by NIMS (2008). Another research question asked if personnel administering the plans have proactive roles in the decision-making and policy processes. The results of the data collection provided evidence supporting the researcher's major and secondary research questions. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]