Launching the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies

The University of Mississippi launched the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies (CISS) to address a growing national need for intelligence analysis education and workforce development. Built from a federally funded grant, the Center became one of the first academic units of its kind, preparing students with the analytic, operational, and ethical skills required for careers in intelligence, security, and policy.

Challenge

How do you transform a single federal grant into a fully functioning academic center that can sustain itself beyond its initial funding? The university needed to build curriculum, infrastructure, and external partnerships quickly while ensuring compliance with federal expectations and alignment with institutional priorities.

Solution

Dr. Barnard conceptualized and led the development of CISS with colleagues, designing a strategic plan, governance structure, and operating model that translated the grant’s intent into a sustainable academic center. Key steps included:

  • Developing an intelligence and security studies curriculum aligned with workforce needs.

  • Establishing partnerships with federal agencies and policy organizations.

  • Recruiting and supporting multidisciplinary faculty and student cohorts.

  • Building systems for compliance, reporting, and long-term sustainability.

Highlights:

  • Successfully transitioned from grant-funded project to sustainable academic center.

  • Created an interdisciplinary curriculum preparing students for careers in federal agencies, defense, and policy.

  • Established federal and community partnerships that strengthened research and training opportunities.

  • Produced cohorts of graduates who went on to secure roles in national security and intelligence organizations.

Impact

The Center’s success demonstrated how vision, infrastructure, and strategic planning can transform a federal funding opportunity into a long-term institutional asset. CISS not only prepared students for impactful careers but also elevated the university’s national profile in intelligence and security education.