U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano has appointed R. Bowen Loftin, president of Texas A&M University, to the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council (HSAAC). The new council, comprised of prominent university presidents and academic leaders, is charged with advising the Secretary and senior leadership at the Department on several key issues.

“Dr. Loftin’s extensive experience and expertise will make him a valuable asset to the Council,” said Secretary Napolitano. “I look forward to working with him on these critical issues.”

The new council underscores the Department’s commitment to working with the academic community. In this noteworthy role, Loftin will provide advice and recommendations on issues related to student and recent graduate recruitment; international students; academic research; campus and community resiliency, security and preparedness; and faculty exchanges.

“I am honored to join other academic leaders in this effort,” Loftin said. “Our perspectives as administrators with expertise in various disciplines will help promote and strengthen the country’s homeland security efforts.”

In addition to administrative experience as president of Texas A&M and previously as chief executive officer of Texas A&M’s maritime branch campus in Galveston, Loftin has extensive expertise in computer modeling and simulation, including work with NASA. His honors include the American Association of Artificial Intelligence Award for an innovative application of artificial intelligence and the 1995 NASA Invention of the Year Award.

Loftin will attend the group’s inaugural meeting on March 20 in Washington, D.C.