TTU System Forges Partnership with FBI to Strengthen National Security Needs
Aug. 18, 2025 | Contact: Kristina Butler
The Texas Tech University System (TTU System) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have entered into a landmark Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to advance U.S. national security, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection.
The agreement was signed today (Aug. 18) at the TTU System Building in Lubbock during a ceremony that included FBI Operations Director of the Criminal and Cyber Branch, B. Chad Yarbrough; U.S. Congressman Jodey Arrington; Texas Tech University (TTU) President Lawrence Schovanec, Ph.D.; Angelo State University (ASU) President Ronnie Hawkins; and TTU System Vice Chancellor of Innovation & Collaboration Stephen Bayne, Ph.D.
The CRADA marks a significant milestone in the shared commitment of the FBI and the TTU System to advance innovation, enhance national security, and foster meaningful collaboration between federal agencies and leading higher education institutions.
Under the agreement, the FBI will utilize university-led research and development through TTU’s Critical Infrastructure Security Institute (CISI), which is addressing vulnerabilities in the nation’s most vital systems, including the electric grid, water utilities, communication systems, military assets and other infrastructure critical to the economy.
The agreement also allows the FBI to leverage ASU’s long-standing commitment to national security education through its partnerships with Goodfellow Air Force Base, its National Security Agency-certified cybersecurity programs, and its Regional Security Operations Center, which offers real-time cybersecurity defense for West Texas communities and hands-on training for students pursuing careers in cybersecurity and defense.
Through this CRADA, the FBI and TTU System institutions will collaborate on advanced research, expand training opportunities and enhance the resilience of infrastructure sectors such as energy, water, telecommunications, health care and defense.
This partnership positions the TTU System and West Texas as key leaders in defending the nation’s security and sovereignty, delivering innovation, education and workforce development that will protect the nation for years to come.
CHAD YARBROUGH, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR OF THE FBI’s CRIMINAL AND CYBER BRANCH:
“The FBI's mission of protecting the American people includes safeguarding vital assets like U.S. critical infrastructure from all adversaries both foreign and domestic. Working with academic partners like the Texas Tech University System is just one of the many ways the FBI seeks to mitigate these threats and advance cybersecurity and the security of critical infrastructure. The FBI appreciates the forward leaning posture of the TTU System and looks forward to continued partnership to better protect U.S. national security.”
TEDD L. MITCHELL, M.D., CHANCELLOR OF THE TTU SYSTEM:
“Among institutions of higher education, the Texas Tech University System has been a longtime leader in research and security studies, and we are excited to join the FBI in this ambitious endeavor. This partnership is a testament to the commitment of our universities to address the world’s most pressing needs and create innovative, collaborative and sustainable solutions. We are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to all we will accomplish together.”
LAWRENCE SCHOVANEC, PH.D., PRESIDENT OF TTU:
“Texas Tech University is proud to stand alongside the FBI and Angelo State University in this important partnership to strengthen the security of our nation’s critical infrastructure. This collaboration builds on our university’s research strengths and our commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders who will protect and serve our country.”
RONNIE HAWKINS, PRESIDENT OF ASU:
“I echo President Schovanec’s comments about this being a unique opportunity for Angelo State University to join forces with the FBI and Texas Tech University through this CRADA. This partnership will not only enhance research capabilities but also open new avenues for innovation, knowledge exchange, and growth in the areas of cybersecurity and security studies. This agreement builds on ASU’s vision and mission, allowing our graduates to be workforce ready and competitive anywhere in the global marketplace and community.”
JODEY ARRINGTON, U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE 19TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT:
“Cyber attacks on our critical infrastructure present one of the most significant risks to our economic stability, public safety, and national security, and I’m very proud Texas Tech is lending its expertise in partnership with the FBI to confront this threat. No one translates discovery and innovation for solving real-world problems like the faculty at Texas Tech. Unlike many universities today, Texas Tech’s laboratory isn’t in the Ivory Tower, it’s in the marketplace where we work, the communities where we live, and with our government partners, working to address our national priorities.”