Reginald Hyde, former deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence and security in the U.S. Department of Defense is becoming the new executive director of the Cyber Institute.

“The University wanted to move forward with cyber research,” Hyde said. “We are trying to look at these as human being projects. This is a multidisciplinary effort focused on enhancing undergraduate research heavily concentrated on solutions.”

With experience in strategy, counterntelligence, technical operations and security among others, Hyde has almost 30 years of experience in government. He served in instrumental roles in the U.S. Department of Defense and the CIA for a majority of his career.

“The Cyber Institute was new, effective April of this year when the Board of Trustees officially approved it,” said Carl Pinkert, UA vice president for research. “The exciting thing is that we have opportunities to develop novel technologies and intellectual property that students as well as faculty members are involved in.”

Hyde earned his bachelor’s degree and a juris doctor degree from The University of Alabama, and would later earn a master’s degree in public policy from Princeton University.

Hyde is fluent in many foreign languages including Farsi and Bulgarian.

During his time in the Department of Defense, Hyde was the equivalent of a three-star general.

After retiring from the government, Hyde said he is excited to be a part of The University of Alabama again.

“I was born in Tuscaloosa,” he said. ” This is like my second home. I even remember my first Alabama football game. It was in 1964, and I was only five years old.”

Hyde was awarded the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal from CIA Director John Brennan in December 2013 and the Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service in March 2013 by Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.

“This is an umbrella organization that fosters collaboration,” Hyde said. “Hopefully I can bring positive and useful tools to the community.”