Texas Tech Appoints Bayne to Lead New Institute for Critical Infrastructure

The appointment, effective August 1, was officially announced during the TTU System Board of Regents meeting last week. Bayne will transition from his current role as department chair to lead the institute, where he will focus on assessing and addressing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. The institute will employ infrastructure design, threat intelligence, cyber analytics, and research to mitigate these vulnerabilities.

“I am very excited to serve in this dual role at Texas Tech,” Bayne said to Texas Tech Now. “Focusing on critical infrastructure is crucial not just for the Lubbock community but for the nation. I look forward to working with our team of faculty, staff, and students to develop unique solutions to protect critical infrastructure. I also anticipate collaborating with the Chancellor’s team and working alongside the other universities within the System.”

In his new role, Bayne will spearhead efforts to expand the institute by recruiting new faculty to address existing research gaps in critical infrastructure. Additionally, he will promote the institute’s significance at regional, state, and national levels to secure funding and establish strategic partnerships with federal agencies.

Bayne will also be responsible for identifying and managing research collaborations, as well as fostering partnerships with industry leaders in research, innovation, and workforce development throughout the TTU System. The institute will work closely with research offices across the System to pursue large-scale grants and contracts.

“Dr. Bayne is an excellent choice to lead the Institute for Critical Infrastructure,” said Joseph Heppert, Texas Tech Vice President for Research & Innovation. “His extensive knowledge of national security issues, especially those affecting the cyber-physical security of critical infrastructure, makes him the right person for this role. Stephen is well-respected within the Department of Defense and national security communities, and these relationships will greatly benefit Texas Tech’s national security initiatives.”

Bayne has been a prominent figure in the Whitacre College of Engineering, the National Wind Institute (NWI), and the Global Laboratory for Energy Asset Management & Manufacturing (GLEAMM). He has earned recognition for his excellence in research and workforce development and for mentoring faculty, staff, and students.

Since joining Texas Tech in 2009, Bayne has served in various leadership roles, including interim dean of the Whitacre College of Engineering. He was appointed department chair in 2021 and has played a pivotal role in securing over $32 million in research funding for the university.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Bayne join our leadership team as vice chancellor for innovation and collaboration,” said TTU System Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D. “His collaborative approach with our university research offices across the System will help us harness collective expertise and pursue new partnerships and funding opportunities. Through these efforts, Dr. Bayne and our researchers will continue to focus on creating innovative solutions for critical needs in our communities, state, and beyond.”