The Office of Information Technology is pleased to announce the appointment of Corrina Taylor as the new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Corrina joined SMU in late May, bringing with her nearly a decade of cybersecurity experience rooted in strategic leadership and technical expertise.
Her journey into cybersecurity began as an information security intern at Paycom while completing her studies at Oklahoma State University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Management Information Systems with a minor in Information Assurance. After her internship, Corrina continued at Paycom, where she built and led a vulnerability management program and developed a high-performing security team. She then became the initial security hire at Wingstop, tasked with establishing the company’s cybersecurity program, leading PCI compliance efforts, and serving as the technical lead to grow and guide the team. Since then, Corrina has steadily built a reputation for developing high-performing security teams, leading cross-functional initiatives, and facilitating board-level discussions that prioritize resilience and long-term value.
In her most recent role as Director of Global Cybersecurity and Data Privacy at Production Resource Group (PRG), Corrina led the development and execution of a comprehensive information security and privacy program. Her approach is grounded in transforming cybersecurity into a strategic business enabler—ensuring alignment with organizational goals and maintaining compliance with major regulatory frameworks such as National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Payment Card Industry (PCI), and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).
“Cybersecurity has been the focus of my entire career, and I’m genuinely passionate about the work,” Corrina shared. “It’s not just about technology — it’s about protecting people, enabling progress, and being a trusted partner to the entire university community.”
Corrina has contributed to the cybersecurity field through published work in the SANS Information Security White Papers, focusing on phishing threats and practical defense strategies. She holds a Master of Science in Information Security Engineering from the SANS Technology Institute and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). In addition, she maintains a range of Global Information Assurance Certifications (GIAC) and is a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).
Looking Forward
Looking ahead, Corrina is laying the foundation for a strategic vision centered on collaboration and communication to strengthen cybersecurity across campus in alignment with the university’s core values. As she puts it, “My strategic vision focuses on strengthening campus-wide cybersecurity through collaboration, communication, and alignment with SMU’s mission.” A core element of her leadership will be integrating cybersecurity into the university’s broader strategy, working closely with stakeholders to ensure initiatives deliver real value.
She plans to revitalize cybersecurity awareness through regular newsletters, blog posts, and active community engagement during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, aiming to foster a culture of shared responsibility across campus. At the same time, Corrina emphasizes the importance of building cyber resilience by partnering closely with OIT, faculty, and staff to strengthen SMU’s ability to detect, respond to, and recover from evolving threats. Additionally, recognizing the growing role of artificial intelligence in higher education, she is committed to guiding its secure and responsible adoption in a manner that aligns with SMU’s values.
“Cybersecurity can be scary, especially with the constant stream of headlines and threats we see every day,” Corrina acknowledged. “But we don’t have to face it alone. At SMU, we stand together against cyber threats, supporting one another through awareness, collaboration, and shared responsibility.”
Join us in welcoming OIT’s newest Mustang to the Hilltop!
Photos: Ian Aberle.
