The University of Arkansas (UA) System has hired Eric Wall as its first-ever chief information security officer (CISO) – a newly created position that oversees IT security efforts across all 22 campuses, divisions, and units within the system.
Wall is based at the UA System Cammack Campus in Little Rock, where he started the new role on April 17.
“I look forward to transitioning into this new role and helping each campus, division, and unit within the UA System improve its cybersecurity posture against the rapidly evolving threat landscape,” Wall said in a press release. “Each institution has a unique cybersecurity need, and I’m excited to partner with them to ensure that they are able to continue providing high quality education and employment opportunities within a safe, efficient IT landscape.”
Previously, Wall served as the deputy CISO at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and also served as the manager of system administration.
He has also served as lead/supervisory network engineer at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield and lead network analyst at Windstream Communications in Little Rock.
“Alongside other efforts to unify the UA System’s digital platforms, including the ongoing implementation of its new enterprise resource planning project, arose a need to solidify its efforts to identify, address and maintain any IT risks facing the system,” said Steven Fulkerson, chief information officer for the UA System.
“Mr. Wall not only has an understanding of the cybersecurity challenges that are present in today’s workplace, but he also has extensive experience working within the UA System and leading projects across multiple campuses,” Fulkerson added. “We’re excited he agreed to take on this challenge from a system standpoint.”
