To highlight the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) commitment to working with the academic community on a wide range of homeland security-related issues, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas participated in the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council (HSAAC) meeting in Washington, DC this week.
Comprised of prominent university presidents, academic leaders and interagency partners, the council advises DHS on issues including campus resilience, cybersecurity, homeland security academic programs, academic research and faculty exchange, student and recent graduate recruitment and international students.
“In the three years since its establishment, the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council has made invaluable contributions to the Department,” Mayorkas said, adding that, “The council is a key asset to the department and our efforts to engage with colleges and universities around the country.”
Chaired by University of Missouri Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin, the council has delivered more than 100 recommendations to DHS. Of these recommendations, 82 percent have been fully or partially implemented, resulting in key accomplishments for both DHS and the academic community.
This includes improved campus resilience and emergency planning efforts, DHS’s identification of 34 of its key research priorities, increased transparency and engagement on international student issues as well as efforts to provide guidance on homeland security degree programs at US colleges and universities.
The council’s work surrounding student and recent graduate recruitment has supported DHS’s efforts to strengthen the diversity of its workforce and develop strategic partnerships with Minority Serving Institutions.
In support of DHS’s mission, the council’s recommendations have also led to increased cybersecurity engagement with the academic community and promotion of key cybersecurity initiatives and resources.
