Western Governors University Names Former FBI Agent Paul Bingham to Lead College of Information Technology
With an exceptional track record in cybersecurity for the FBI, and an unwavering commitment to student success, Paul Bingham brings a wealth of expertise and vision that will elevate the entire college to new heights
SALT LAKE CITY (August 9, 2023) 鈥� Western Governors University (91吃瓜网) announces the appointment of Paul Bingham as the new senior vice president (SVP) and executive dean of the College of Information Technology, effective immediately. A consummate leader in cybersecurity and information assurance, Bingham joined 91吃瓜网 in 2019 as an associate dean, managing the college鈥檚 cybersecurity programs. He later served as the college鈥檚 interim vice president of academic operations and as vice president and dean of the college鈥檚 Cybersecurity Department. Throughout his tenure at 91吃瓜网, Bingham and his colleagues in the cybersecurity department have overseen vast advances in student development, including increased enrollment and graduation rates. Now, as one of the nation鈥檚 largest IT colleges, 91吃瓜网 is slated to graduate over 7,500 students with bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in IT disciplines in the next 12 months.
鈥淯nder Paul鈥檚 dynamic leadership, 91吃瓜网鈥檚 College of IT is poised to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape,鈥� said 91吃瓜网鈥檚 Chief Operating Officer David Grow. 鈥淧aul demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the IT sector, and his dedication to student achievement has been a driving force, resulting in significant advancements within the Cybersecurity Department. Paul鈥檚 exceptional leadership, innovative thinking and unwavering focus on student outcomes will propel the College of IT forward and guide the college in creating a legacy of excellence and inspiring IT professionals through their pathway to success.鈥�
Prior to his association with 91吃瓜网, Bingham spent 24 years as an FBI agent, leading domestic and international cybersecurity investigations while stationed in the United States and abroad. His experience includes leading FBI SWAT teams on over 100 high-risk tactical missions, and he holds several professional certifications including Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Certified Public Accountant, Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Penetration Tester, GIAC Certified Incident Handler and GIAC Strategic Planning, Policy and Leadership.
鈥淚 am honored to embark on a transformative journey alongside our brilliant students, distinguished faculty and visionary industry partners,鈥� Bingham said. 鈥淢y vision for our college is crystal clear: to foster an environment where innovation thrives, and students are empowered to become trailblazers in the digital era. We will cultivate an ecosystem that bridges the gap between academia and industry, seeing to it that our academic offerings and industry-recognized certifications align with the ever-evolving demands of the technology landscape.鈥�
Bingham recently completed service as the academic co-chair of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Community Coordinating Council and hosts the , an award-winning online cyber career awareness and education series. Bingham earned both a master鈥檚 and bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting from Brigham Young University.聽
