FAMU Cyber Policy Institute Expands AI, Cybersecurity Initiatives with Hewlett Foundation Support
The Cyber Policy Institute at Florida A&M University (FAMU) is strengthening its academic, research and community impact through a growing portfolio of initiatives supported by a $5 million grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
Reporting to the Office of the Provost, the Institute is jointly housed within the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (CSSAH) and the College of Science and Technology (CST). Under the leadership of Interim Director Darryl Scriven, Ph.D., the Cyber Policy Fellows advance programming to elevate the University’s leadership in cyber policy, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and education.
The 2025-2026 faculty fellows represent several of the University’s colleges and schools and include Chiquita Brown, Ph.D., Deanna Burney, Ph.D., Tejal Mulay, Ph.D., and Phylicia Taylor, Ph.D. The Institute also launched its first cohort of 10 AI student interns from various academic disciplines. During their internship, the students participated in technical and policy teams to develop an AI-driven business solution for the CSI companies.
“The Cyber Policy Institute, its faculty fellows, and AI student interns are making a lasting impact on FAMU’s institutional ecosystem and showcasing the high caliber education that FAMU continues to provide,” said Scriven.
The FAMU AI Community Learning Series, one of the Institute’s signature accomplishments, is a yearlong public education initiative envisioned by Provost Allyson Watson, Ph.D.
“Faculty excellence drives high-impact student preparation and research development,” said Watson. “This fellowship will cultivate academic strength across disciplines, empowering our faculty to learn, lead, and share innovative approaches to solving tomorrow’s challenges today.”
Developed in collaboration with the Teaching and Learning Center, the series features 12 one-hour sessions designed to boost digital literacy and broaden public understanding of AI. Sessions have included topics explaining artificial intelligence, its concepts, and its significance in higher education.
Since its inception, the Institute has also hosted several workshops designed to expand engagement by helping community members navigate challenging conversations using evidence-based communication, respect and clarity.
For those interested in pursuing careers in this burgeoning field, the Institute is currently developing a new 4+1 Bachelor of Science degree in cyber policy while also launching two interdisciplinary certificate programs in cyber policy and AI. These academic pathways will prepare students to lead in rapidly evolving technology fields while emphasizing ethics, governance, interdisciplinary learning, and responsible digital practices.
The Institute is deeply engaged in research opportunities, has submitted multiple external grant proposals to support faculty-led projects, and has implemented national partnerships focused on cyber governance and AI readiness. In the upcoming year, the Institute will begin producing a series of white papers and advising University leadership on emerging cyber and AI policy development.
Applications are now available for the second cohort, which will begin in Spring 2026. This team will continue the work of the current cohorts and create AI business solutions for real-world industry challenges.
For more information about the Cyber Policy Institute, call (850) 599-8697 or email cyberpolicyinstitute@famu.edu.
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
Deidre Williams
Director of Communications, Office of the Provost
deidre.williams@famu.edu
