The SEC CIO/CISO and Research IT Summit brings together senior technology leaders from across the Southeastern Conference for a day and a half of peer conversation, collaboration, and shared problem solving. Hosted by Vanderbilt University, this year's summit will convene CIOs, CISOs, and Research IT leaders to explore the topics shaping higher education technology today, from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to research infrastructure and institutional operations. Attendees can expect candid peer discussions, featured speakers, and dedicated time to connect with colleagues from across the SEC.
Agenda
Day 1: Wednesday, October 28 - Cybersecurity Focus
Carmichael MPR | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Evening event to follow
Time | Session | Detail |
12:00 - 1:00 PM | Welcome Lunch | Full group, Carmichael MPR. Informal networking. |
1:00 - 1:15 PM | Shane Callahan - Welcome & Theme Setting | Light welcome. Introduces Gregg to frame the afternoon. |
1:15 - 1:17 PM | Gregg Kendrick - Introduction of NSF | Brief framing of the federal research security landscape before handing to NSF. (2 min) |
1:17 - 1:55 PM | NSF Speakers - Dean Evasius & Cate Flanley (Virtual via Microsoft Teams) | Research security landscape and federal mandates. Joining virtually via Microsoft Teams. (38 min) |
1:55 - 2:15 PM | Q&A - NSF + Gregg | Full group Q&A across both. (20 min) |
2:15 - 2:45 PM | Table Discussion | Pre-submitted question. Small group table work. (30 min) |
2:45 - 3:15 PM | Break & Networking | Snacks. Informal mingling. (30 min) |
3:15 - 3:50 PM | Report Out - Full Group | Each table shares back. (35 min) |
3:50 - 4:50 PM | Hugh Thompson - Day 1 Closing Keynote | Future threats, RSA outlook, Institute of National Security fellowship work. (1 hour including Q&A) |
4:50 - 5:00 PM | Quick Wrap & Transition | Shane. See you at Five Iron! |
5:00 PM | Depart for Five Iron Golf |
Evening Event
After a full afternoon of collaboration, join us for an evening out! We will depart Carmichael at 5:00 PM via shuttle and head to Five Iron Golf, located at 202 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203. Five Iron is a premier indoor golf and entertainment venue in the heart of Midtown Nashville - the perfect setting to unwind, connect, and enjoy some friendly competition with your fellow attendees.
The evening will feature a chef-attended Augusta BBQ Station with hickory smoked beef brisket, BBQ pulled chicken, and all the classic sides you would expect - think coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, and more. Sweet treats including cookies and churro bites will round out the spread. Beer, wine, and drinks are included throughout the evening.
And for those feeling competitive - we will be hosting a Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin contest with a prize on the line. Come ready to play!
Day 2: Thursday, October 29 - Radical Collaboration & Research Focus
Carmichael MPR | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Time | Session | Detail |
8:00 - 9:00 AM | Breakfast & Networking | Full group, Carmichael MPR. Informal networking. |
9:00 - 9:10 AM | Shane Callahan - Day 2 Kickoff | Brief welcome and framing for the day. |
9:10 - 9:50 AM | Allen Karns - Amplify & AI Collaboration | Vanderbilt's AGI Center, Amplify platform, AI governance and radical collaboration in practice. (40 min) |
9:50 - 10:10 AM | Q&A with Allen | Full group Q&A. (20 min) |
10:10 - 10:40 AM | Table Discussion | Pre-submitted question on AI collaboration and adoption. (30 min) |
10:40 - 11:10 AM | Break & Networking | Snacks. Informal mingling. (30 min) |
11:10 - 11:30 AM | Report Out - Full Group | Each table shares back. (20 min) |
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Andrea Lawrence & Jason Barber - Vanderbilt Cybersecurity GRC Panel - Moderated by Masood Sidiqyar | Cybersecurity GRC in practice. (30 min) |
12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch | Full group, Carmichael MPR. Andrea Lawrence, Jason Barber & Masood Sidiqyar available for informal Q&A over lunch. |
1:00 - 1:05 PM | Susan Margulies - Introduction of Dr. Sprinkle | Brief introduction of Dr. Sprinkle and facilitation of afternoon table discussion. Presentation is flexible depending on timing. (5 min) |
1:05 - 1:45 PM | Dr. Jonathan Sprinkle - Research Impact & Radical Collaboration | Research impact, data sensitivity & security, radical collaboration across campuses. (40 min) |
1:45 - 2:00 PM | Q&A with Dr. Sprinkle | Full group Q&A. (15 min) |
2:00 - 2:30 PM | Table Discussion - Facilitated by Susan Margulies | Faculty research, AI governance, and what happens when faculty build their own tools. (30 min) |
2:30 - 3:00 PM | Break & Networking | Snacks. Informal mingling. (30 min) |
3:00 - 3:30 PM | Report Out - Full Group | Each table shares back. (30 min) |
3:30 - 4:00 PM | Closing Remarks: Shane Callahan | Key takeaways, next steps, safe travels. |
4:00 - 5:00 PM | Informal Farewell & Networking |
Questions
Please contact Deanna Danger at deanna.danger@vanderbilt.edu
Travel
Fly into Nashville International Airport (BNA).
Hotel information
Homewood Suites Nashville Vanderbilt - $179/night, $25 self-parking, 1 minute walk from conference venue. Cut-off date for negotiated rate: September 30, 2026. Room Booking
Holiday Inn Nashville-Vanderbilt - $149/night, $20 self-parking, 6 minutes’ walk from conference venue. Cut-off date for negotiated rate: September 28, 2026. Room Booking
Event Location
The SEC CIO/CISO & Research IT Summit will be held at Carmichael College in the Multi-Purpose Room on the Vanderbilt University campus.
If you are staying at one of our recommended hotels, the most convenient walking route is to enter campus off 24th Avenue and West End Avenue. Carmichael College will be on your right.
If you are driving, the closest parking option is the 2525 Garage at 2500 Kensington Pl., Nashville, TN 37203 - conveniently located just off that same entrance. Parking is available on Floor 4 and below, first come first served, with payment handled through the Metropolis app.
A campus map with detailed arrival directions is included below.
Questions
Please contact Deanna Danger at deanna.danger@vanderbilt.edu
More information coming soon.