Western Governors University Names Former FBI Agent Paul Bingham to Lead College of Information Technology

SALT LAKE CITY (August 9, 2023) — Western Governors University (WGU) 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 WGU in 2019 as an associate dean, managing the college’s cybersecurity programs. He later served as the college’s interim vice president of academic operations and as vice president and dean of the college’s Cybersecurity Department. Throughout his tenure at WGU, 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’s largest IT colleges, WGU is slated to graduate over 7,500 students with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in IT disciplines in the next 12 months.

“Under Paul’s dynamic leadership, WGU’s College of IT is poised to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape,” said WGU’s Chief Operating Officer David Grow. “Paul 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’s 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.”

Prior to his association with WGU, 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.

“I am honored to embark on a transformative journey alongside our brilliant students, distinguished faculty and visionary industry partners,” Bingham said. “My 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.”

Bingham recently completed service as the academic co-chair of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Community Coordinating Council and hosts the Cyber Security Series, an award-winning online cyber career awareness and education series. Bingham earned both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in accounting from Brigham Young University.