2024 DEI Leadership Award Recipient

Jay James

Cybersecurity Operations Lead, Auburn University

For his unwavering commitment to creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued; for his leadership in advancing DEI through innovative programs and mentoring; for extending the impact of DEI efforts across Auburn University and beyond, fostering a sense of belonging and opportunity for all.

The 2024 EDUCAUSE DEI Leadership Award recognizes Jay James for his determination in building environments in which all people belong and feel valued, recognizing that the work of DEI needs to happen at multiple levels across institutions and communities, and for the work he does to extend the energy of DEI through mentoring and education.

Jay is the Cybersecurity Operations Lead at Auburn University, where he leads implementation and manages the Security Operation Center staff, processes, and technology projects to protect the university's international presence and monitor and respond to the needs of tens of thousands of identities and devices. He created Auburn’s cybersecurity student worker program, which provides certification paths, learning paths, mentorship opportunities, and professional development for each student.

During his time at Auburn, Jay relaunched the IT Community and Belonging Committee, which covers three primary pillars: building inclusion and belonging within the Auburn IT Community, improving practices and policies regarding inclusion and belonging, and leveraging technology to contribute to Auburn University’s goals of building a stronger community. In the first year of the committee, he created guidance to enable inclusive language in various technologies, co-led the implementation of new recognition programs, supported various initiatives for veterans, and built a digital community of belonging to provide resources and events across campus.

Jay serves on various scholarship panels and committees focused on inclusion and diversity for multiple organizations, including scholarships in the Center for Cyber Safety and Education and ISACA. Most recently, he began mentoring in the National Cybersecurity Alliance HBCU mentorship program. Jay has worked closely with cybersecurity companies and organizations to help provide training opportunities and certification attempts to faculty, staff, and students for more equitable opportunities. Examples include establishing Auburn as a Partner University for CompTIA and as a DEI Partner for ISC2, as well as enrolling in the Splunk Academic Alliance.

Jay has applied his passion for mentoring by advising the Auburn University Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers in 2016, and he currently serves as the Advisor of the Harold A. Franklin Society to support the academic success of Black men at the university. He has served on multiple DEI groups on and off campus and is intentional about using technology to build a more inclusive environment, such as the Auburn University Young Professionals Board.

This EDUCAUSE Award is sponsored by Moran Technology Consulting, Mission Partner.