Committee backs distribution of IT/cybersecurity funds, citing varied campus readiness

Vice President Elaine Frisbie presented the committee with a recommendation to distribute remaining state legislative IT funds intended for infrastructure and cybersecurity. Frisbie told members the packet includes a table of proposed allocations and stressed that campuses are at different points in cybersecurity maturity, so the distribution prioritizes the highest‑risk needs under the NIST framework.

Frisbie cited campus examples in the packet that illustrate differing needs: "where KU Medical Center needs to spend 1,900,000, where Washburn only needs to spend 295,000 for cybersecurity tools," and she explained the tabulated campus amounts are not meant to be compared line‑by‑line because total needs exceed available appropriations. IT staff said they have pursued collaborative sourcing and shared contracts (managed detection/response, shared Zoom and LMS contracts) to achieve savings across institutions.

Regents asked for examples and process controls for collaboration; Angela from Pittsburg State and other IT leaders described longstanding piggybacking on shared contracts, a centrally shared spreadsheet tracking replacement timelines, and regular meetings among CIOs and procurement officers to identify opportunities. Several regents urged continuing those efforts to maximize limited funds.

Regent Winter moved to recommend the distribution; Regent Rolfe seconded. The committee voted to recommend the allocation to the full board. Committee members requested campuses continue to seek collaborative sourcing and report back as projects are implemented.