A Tribute to Henry (Hank) W. Fischer
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Henry (Hank) W. Fischer on January 30, 2026. Dr. Fischer was born on November 7, 1947, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Millersville University with a double major in Sociology and Secondary Education and minors in Psychology and Philosophy. Dr. Fischer went to earn an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Sociology at the University of Delaware. He returned to Millersville University and was a beloved Professor of Sociology. He was the founder of the Millersville University’s Center for Disaster Research and Education (CDRE) and developed the nationally recognized graduate program in emergency management. During his time at Millersville University, he also developed the minor in Environmental Hazards and Emergency Management. He was the recipient of National Science Foundation (NSF) grants and over the years involved several undergraduate students in his research. Dr. Fischer’s work appeared in several publications, and he was nationally recognized for his work in this area. Over the years, he served as the Editor of International Journal of Contemporary Disaster Review, Web Host for the International Journal of Mass Emergencies & Disasters and served as the Program Coordinator for both the Master of Science in Emergency Management as well as the Multi-Disciplinary Minor in Environmental Hazards & Emergency Management. His research specialty, for more than 20 years, was in behavioral and organizational response to disasters and terrorism - for example, NSF grants supported work in south Asia after the 2004 tsunami and the U.S. Gulf coast after Hurricane Katrina. His body of work included the presentation of more than three dozen papers at professional conferences around the world, the publication of more than two dozen scholarly journal articles, three books, two monographs, and various consulting projects. He appeared on CNN, MSNBC, and radio programs in the U.S. and Canada. He was a member of the American Sociological Association, the International Sociological Association, and the International Research Committee on Disasters.
Dr. Fischer was a mentor to many students and faculty at Millersville University over the years, and his commitment to the profession and community were a critical component of his professional life. His significant contributions to the field of sociology of disaster and emergency management will be forever remembered.