U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the appointment of new members to the Homeland Security Academic Partnership Council (HSAPC), which included Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian(opens in new window). The council members represent a cross section of higher education institutions — including higher education associations, two- and four-colleges and universities, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, among others.

“The opportunity to serve the Department of Homeland Security with leaders from across higher education is a tremendous honor,” Jahanian said. “I am looking forward to collaborating with my fellow council members to offer support and counsel to our federal leadership on issues that are critical to our country, including how technology, science and policy can catalyze innovations in the department and our nation’s approach to security.”

“Leaders of our academic institutions and campus life have a great deal to offer in helping us counter the evolving and emerging threats to the homeland,” Mayorkas said. “The Homeland Security Academic Partnership Council’s insights into strategic research, innovation, career development and partnership opportunities for the department will support our mission to safeguard the American people and help our country think through and prepare for whatever threats lie ahead. I am grateful to each of the twenty council members I am appointing today for their willingness to serve, and I look forward to receiving their guidance and recommendations.” 
 
The HSAPC, which Mayorkas reconstituted in 2022, will provide advice and recommendations in response to taskings by the secretary on matters that may relate to, but are not limited to:

• Safety and security, including prevention, response, mitigation, recovery and other emergency management and preparedness measures.
• Improving coordination and sharing of actionable threat and security-related information, including threats of violence as well as targeted violence and terrorism prevention.
• Methods to develop career opportunities to support a 21st century DHS workforce.
• Enhancing and expanding research opportunities, such as the DHS Science and Technology Centers of Excellence and DHS/National Security Agency joint Centers of Academic Excellence.