Karen Campbell brings decades of experience and a people-first mindset to guide UW through fast-changing digital landscapes and a rising tide of cyber threats.
Sharing knowledge is central to our mission at UW, but that openness can make us a target. Cyberattacks are on the rise across higher education, which remains the most at-risk sector for data breaches, phishing attempts, and ransomware. With tens of thousands of people across the globe using UW’s networks every day, the stakes are high. Strong, strategic information security isn’t optional. It’s essential.
That’s where Karen Campbell comes in.
Bringing Deep Experience and a Higher Ed Calling
AVP and CISO, Information Security
Karen joins UW as our new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), bringing more than two decades of experience in technology risk and cybersecurity. Her background spans a variety of industries, including healthcare, telecom, and accounting, but she’s found her calling in higher education, where the need for bold, forward-thinking security leadership is urgent and real. She most recently served as CISO for the Texas A&M University System, where she oversaw information security for 11 universities, a major health science center, and several statewide agencies.
Karen sees higher education as a place where she can make a meaningful impact, and she was drawn to UW’s research mission, public service values, and global reach. “I like being where I’m needed,” she said. And at UW, she’s needed. Not just to help advance our security infrastructure, but to help us lead. Her approach centers on delivering trusted solutions that reduce risk, improve resilience, and create secure environments where learning and innovation can thrive.
Leadership That Builds Trust and Drives Change
What sets Karen apart isn’t just her technical depth or broad strategic insight, it’s the way she leads. She’s quick to adapt, keenly attuned to the needs of her team, and deeply committed to building trust across disciplines. Her leadership style is rooted in clarity, empathy, and high standards. She’s passionate about mentoring women in cybersecurity through organizations like MS-ISAC, EDUCAUSE, and the Executive Women’s Forum, and she brings that same sense of support and accountability into her role as CISO. Her ability to build strong, collaborative partnerships will be key as she works across the UW to foster the kind of “you get me” relationships that move complex challenges forward.
A Vision for UW’s Security Future
Karen also understands that real security transformation isn’t just about tools or policies — it’s about relationships. She’s focused on elevating the visibility of Information Security across UW by building shared services and helping departments take proactive steps to reduce digital risk. At the same time, she’s looking ahead and aligning UW’s security goals with national compliance standards, putting a three- to five-year maturity plan in motion to help UW become a model for how large, research institutions can manage digital risk while making a global impact.
Getting to Know Karen
A recent transplant from Texas, Karen is settling into life in Seattle and reconnecting with a part of herself she’s missed. Originally from New York, she spent several years along the East Coast before her two decades in Texas, and she’s glad to be back near the water. She commutes by light rail, enjoys the view of the Sound from her window, and is soaking in the city’s unique blend of natural beauty and innovation. And while her streaming watchlist keeps growing faster than she can keep up, she’s hoping to carve out more time to relax soon.
Connect with Karen and the Information Security Team
Karen is here to listen, collaborate, and lead. If you’d like to say hello or share your thoughts, you can reach her and the Information Security team at infosec@uw.edu.