University of Arkansas System CISO Joins Forge Institute Board of Advisors

Today, Forge Institute has named University of Arkansas System CISO Eric Wall to its Advisory Board, adding to a membership already composed of many of the most impactful leaders in cyber and data security. 

“I believe that Forge Institute's work is helping to make Arkansas a rally point for all things cyber,” said Wall,  who has extensive IT experience in high-value sectors like healthcare, insurance, telecommunications, technology, and higher education. Wall believes that training more cybersecurity professionals is critically important to attracting new business to Arkansas as well as retaining existing business, too. 

“Cybersecurity has no borders, so there’s no reason that Arkansas cannot become the Silicon Valley of cybersecurity,” continued Wall. “ I am extremely excited to work with Forge to help make this a reality.”

Eric Wall has spent the past 25 years solving IT problems and securing organizations from global cybersecurity threats across public and private sectors. He has gained a reputation for partnering with business to make sure that cybersecurity has a seat at the table.

“Eric knows first hand the threat our research universities face from near-peer adversaries seeking to steal research and intellectual property. He also knows the plethora of other threats the academic community faces. Eric’s commitment to partnerships, collective defense and strong governance will help defend Arkansas’ incredible research assets,” said Forge Institute founder and CEO Lee Watson. “We’re extremely pleased to have a professional of his credentials on our Advisory Board.”

Wall served as the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences until April of 2022, when he was named the Inaugural Chief Information Security Officer for the UA System.  In this role, he partners with all 22 UA System campuses, divisions, and units to identify, measure, and mitigate their cybersecurity risk.

Eric Wall has led the fight against global cybersecurity threats for 25 years 

The Forge Institute Board of Advisors’ membership includes cybersecurity, data science and infosec professionals from the private and public sectors. 

Key Facts

• Eric Wall, UA System CISO, joined the Forge Institute Advisory Board

• Wall oversees 22 UA System campuses, divisions, and units to identify, measure, and mitigate their cybersecurity risk.

• Wall is a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).