Higher education sits at a difficult crossroads. Universities want open access so students and researchers can move fast. At the same time, they store sensitive data, run large networks, and support global partnerships that attract constant attacks. The people who lead security in this space work with tight budgets, legacy systems, and rising expectations from every corner of the campus.
Brian Kelly, CISO, Quinnipiac University
Brian Kelly guides security programs that support daily academic activity. He builds risk and privacy frameworks that help the university run safely without slowing down students or faculty.
David Sherry, CISO, Princeton University
David Sherry works across departments to keep research, administration, and student systems secure. He focuses on governance and coordinated response while supporting an open learning culture.
Michael Corn, CISO, Vantage Technology Consulting Group
Michael Corn supports a major research institution with strong cloud and data security programs. He works with teams that manage sensitive research data and advanced technical environments.
Eric Jacobsen, Chief Information Security and Privacy Officer, University of Texas System
Eric Jacobsen guides cybersecurity and privacy efforts across a network of academic and health institutions. His role includes strategy, compliance, and long term planning for a large public system.
Merritt Baer, CISO, Harvard Kennedy School
Merritt Baer leads security architecture and policy for a school that works with global partners and policy leaders. Her work builds trust in the tools used for research and public service.
Education depends on safe spaces for learning, collaboration, and research. These CISOs work behind the scenes to keep that space intact. Their leadership shapes how universities plan, communicate, and defend against new threats.
As attacks grow more frequent and campuses grow more connected, the work of these security leaders becomes even more central. They show what steady guidance looks like in a sector built on openness and trust.