WASHINGTON (Feb. 5, 2025) — 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’s cyber workforce shortage.
During the hearing — titled “Preparing the Pipeline: Examining the State of America’s Cyber Workforce” — 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.
“The 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,” Russomanno said. “The University of Memphis is striving to be a national leader to accelerate this trend.”
The Polytechnic Initiative will expand the University’s applied technology degree portfolio, including cyber security, to better align with community colleges and other applied technology training programs, eliminating barriers to a bachelor’s 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.
“The 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.”
-Dr. David Russomanno
Dual-enrollment opportunities, starting with the UofM’s 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.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Trent Shadid
Director of University Communications
tshadid@memphis.edu
