UofM Provost David Russomanno Testifies Before House Committee on Homeland Security
Feb. 6, 2025 鈥� In a hearing Wednesday before the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security, University of Memphis Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. David Russomanno provided expert testimony on solutions to overcoming America鈥檚 cyber workforce shortage.
During the hearing 鈥� titled 鈥淧reparing the Pipeline: Examining the State of America鈥檚
Cyber Workforce鈥� 鈥� Russomanno described the upcoming launch of the Polytechnic Initiative
at the UofM leveraging partnerships within Tennessee and beyond to contribute toward
a national model for addressing workforce needs in applied technology
.
鈥淭he Polytechnic Initiative will serve as an organizational sub-unit within our Herff College of Engineering to host several existing applied technology programs, as well as new applied technology programs to rapidly respond to workforce needs,鈥� Russomanno said. 鈥溋窳辈� is striving to be a national leader to accelerate this trend.鈥�
The Polytechnic Initiative will expand the University鈥檚 applied technology degree portfolio, including cyber security, to better align with community colleges and other applied technology training programs, eliminating barriers to a bachelor鈥檚 degree at the UofM. The goal is to better prepare students for these workforce needs with an emphasis on a successful outcome for every student.
Dual-enrollment opportunities, starting with the UofM鈥檚 University Schools, will focus on cyber security, applied AI, advanced manufacturing and more are part of the Polytechnic Initiative plans.
Russomanno, who has a background in electrical and computer engineering, was invited by Tennessee Rep. Mark E. Green, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security. In addition to Russomanno, the panel of experts included Chris Jones, CEO of Middle Tennessee Electric; Robert Rashotte, vice president of Fortinet; and Max Stier, CEO of the Partnership for Public Service.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Trent Shadid
Director of University Communications
tshadid@memphis.edu