Along with the new Center for Security Studies and Cyber Defense (CSSCD) opening this fall, AU will be gaining the leadership and insight of Karl Perman, who will be acting as executive director of the program.
Perman began his career in the military, and then moved to law enforcement, both at municipal and federal levels. He has served as a special agent for the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and has held numerous titles within the security field, earning him the honor of one of “Security” magazine’s “Most Influential People in Security” in 2011. Perman has also taught information technology, cybersecurity, criminal justice and security management courses at several universities.
As CSSCD executive director, Perman will continue to utilize his extensive experience in the field.
“My primary responsibility is to… get the Center for Security Studies and Cyber Defense up and running,” Perman explained. “I’ve sat in the shoes of a Chief Information Security Officer. I know a lot of their pain points, so I think understanding that and figuring out how to help them solve their headaches…with the resources of the center will be a good thing.”
Perman was drawn to the position because of President Pistole’s background in law enforcement, as well as the infancy of the program and center.
“I kind of like new challenges, new concepts, new ideas…it’s kind of like a startup within an established institution…that’s a fun challenge to deal with,” said Perman.
While Perman and many others look forward to the center’s opening this fall, it has had plenty of obstacles. He explained that COVID-19 and spatial factors have created some complications in construction.
“There’s some issues with the space, as far as environmental issues,” said Perman. “We have a lot of technology going [on in] there, so heat is the issue, and air conditioning and proper ventilation.”
Despite the obstacles, Perman is hopeful the new center on the third floor of Decker Hall will be finished in the next 60 days.
Perman stated that he hopes to provide a practical exercise environment for students that faculty members can use to help their work and teachings.
“The goal is for two things: to [get] that center operationalized so students have kind of a lab to practice their skills and… real world applicability, and to deliver to some constituents or clients low cost security services,” said Perman. “The idea for the center itself is to be self-sustaining.”
He explained that his final goal is “to extend out the brand of Anderson University, particularly in the area of cyber security studies and national security studies.”