Matt Williams has been selected as the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s chief information security officer, starting February 1, 2024.

Williams has spent nearly fifteen years in higher education in various technology and leadership roles. He served most recently as associate chief information officer and chief information security officer at the University of Akron.

“I am extremely happy to have someone of Matt’s caliber join our OIT executive leadership team,” said Ramon Padilla Jr., chief information officer and vice chancellor for information technology and innovation. 

Williams “strongly believes that it is the role of the CISO to protect the university and its constituents’ data while ensuring a positive user experience while leveraging a risk-based approach.” In his time at the University of Akron, Williams formalized the information security program, developed the university’s cybersecurity strategy, implemented a data governance and management program, and developed several information security policies to advance the university’s information security maturity.

Williams holds a Master of Science Information Sciences in technology management from Liberty University.