Penn State President Graham Spanier will lead a new FBI advisory board charged with linking national security bureaus with universities nationwide.
The National Security Higher Education Advisory Board was established to create a link between leading research universities and government agencies, Spanier said in an e-mail message to The Daily Collegian.
"The concept evolved over the past year in mutual discussions between representatives of the FBI and me," Spanier said. "My goal is to open doors. Ultimately, better understanding could very well be the most important goal. And I think it sends a positive message that leaders in higher education are willing to assist our nation during these challenging times."
The board will have its first meeting next month in Washington, D.C., where it will discuss its future and finalize its goals and plans.
FBI spokesman Bill Carter said the board will attempt to expand the relationship between the government and research institutions while opening communication. The outcome should benefit students and faculty through internships, degree programs, graduate school consultations, course work and research.
"It's bringing the top people in higher education and top government officials together to talk. Good people will do good things," Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon said.
The board's purpose is to make a national effort that aids both parties with the other's experience and viewpoints, Mahon said.
"The board will provide advice on the culture of higher education and the FBI has a mission to protect national security," Carter said. "We want to establish lines of communication on national priorities."
One item the board will examine is the potential for terrorists to pose as university students, Carter said.
"The goal is to work together with higher education to fulfill increasingly challenging missions in terrorism and national security," he said.
Carter added that universities would be more aware of national security issues while aiding the FBI and other government agencies in their quest to secure and protect the country.
Mahon said Spanier's role on the board makes sense because Penn State is developing a homeland security program.
"It's natural that we have a hand in national security," Mahon said.
Spanier was also part of the initial discussions with the FBI about developing the advisory board, Carter said.
The board will focus on "intellectual property, the integrity of our computer and information networks, terrorism and counterintelligence," Spanier said.
Spanier's appointment as chair of the board further demonstrates how Penn State is influencing and becoming an integral part of the world, Penn State spokesman Tysen Kendig said.
"America's universities are some of the greatest assets our country has," Mahon said.
Other members of the board include presidents or chancellors from numerous higher education institutions, including Johns Hopkins University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Members of the board are all heads of major research institutions and were nominated to the board by Spanier.
