LUBBOCK, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) joined Texas Tech University System and Federal Bureau of Investigation officials on Monday for the signing of a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA) aimed at advancing national security, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure protection.
The signing ceremony, held at the TTU System Building in Lubbock, included FBI Operations Director of the Criminal and Cyber Branch B. Chad Yarbrough, U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington, Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec, Angelo State University President Ronnie Hawkins, and TTU System Vice Chancellor of Innovation and Collaboration Stephen Bayne.
“Honored to join today’s ceremony in Lubbock to celebrate Texas Tech and the FBI as they formalize their historic partnership to strengthen America’s critical infrastructure,” Arrington said. “This Cooperative Research & Development Agreement will harness the best of West Texas innovation and federal law enforcement to develop cutting-edge solutions that protect our electric grid, water systems, communications networks, and national defense.”
FBI Director Kash Patel called the agreement a “landmark” in strengthening America’s defenses.
“Protecting U.S. critical infrastructure is essential to our national security, and the state of Texas is helping lead the charge with the Critical Infrastructure Security Institute at the Texas Tech University System,” Patel said. “Today, we celebrate the signing of a landmark agreement between Texas Tech and the FBI – an agreement that will benefit the entire country and facilitate the kind of innovation key to securing America. We will continue to work closely with our partners in government, academia, and the private sector to detect and counter diverse threats from foreign and domestic adversaries.”
ASU President speaks on TTU system partnering with FBI
Texas Tech University System Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., said the partnership underscores the university’s commitment to tackling pressing global challenges.
“Among institutions of higher education, the Texas Tech University System has been a longtime leader in research and security studies, and we are excited to join the FBI in this ambitious endeavor,” Mitchell said. “This partnership is a testament to the commitment of our universities to identify our world’s most pressing needs and create innovative, collaborative and sustainable solutions. We are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to all we will accomplish together.”
Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec added that the collaboration reflects the university’s research strengths and its mission to prepare future leaders.
‘A win for West Texas’: Arrington in Abilene to discuss passing of ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
“Texas Tech University is proud to stand alongside the FBI and Angelo State University in this important partnership to strengthen the security of our nation’s critical infrastructure,” Schovanec said. “This collaboration builds on our university’s research strengths and our commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders who will protect and serve our country.”
FBI Special Agent Chad Yarbrough said the agreement shows the bureau’s commitment to working with academic partners to confront security threats.
“The FBI’s mission of protecting the American people includes safeguarding vital assets like U.S. critical infrastructure from all adversaries, both foreign and domestic,” Yarbrough said. “Working with academic partners like the Texas Tech University System is just one of the many ways the FBI seeks to mitigate these threats and advance cybersecurity and the security of critical infrastructure. The FBI appreciates the forward-leaning posture of the TTU System and looks forward to continued partnership to better protect U.S. national security.”
Through the agreement, the FBI will draw on research from Texas Tech’s Critical Infrastructure Security Institute, which studies vulnerabilities in the electric grid, water systems, communication networks, military assets, and other infrastructure critical to the U.S. economy.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
Comments