Cyber Fellows Speaker Series – Preston Smith

UTulsa Cyber Fellows are invited to engage with Preston Smith, Security Control Assessor with the Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute at The University of Tulsa.

Preston Smith is a dedicated computer scientist and cybersecurity specialist with a passion for helping others understand the critical roles that privacy and security play in our daily lives. With over 20 years of experience in IT and security, he has built a career rooted in technical expertise and a commitment to protecting sensitive information. Preston holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Arkansas.

His journey in technology began in high school, where he first engaged with computers and later implemented barcode systems at a mercantile store. This hands-on experience led him to a corporate IT role, where he engineered and supported enterprise systems. Finding a strong affinity for system administration, Preston embraced the challenges of keeping systems stable and secure. Even as he pursued his degree, he remained drawn to system administration, recognizing that root-level administration was foundational to securing IT environments.

Preston’s expertise in privacy and security expanded further when he took on a role at a research facility, ensuring digital security measures aligned with HIPAA privacy regulations. His work was not just about compliance—it was about instilling trust in data protection processes, ensuring that individuals’ information was handled securely and ethically.

His career took a pivotal turn when he joined the Defense Industrial Base as a Security Manager. Leveraging his background in government regulations, Preston was tasked with implementing the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and navigating security controls such as NIST 800-53 and DFARS 800-171. His role in protecting critical infrastructure and national security assets became a source of pride, reinforcing his belief in the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding the country’s warfighters.

With a passion for continuous learning, Preston remains committed to advancing his expertise, engaging with industry organizations and sharing knowledge on privacy and security. His mission is to help others understand and appreciate the importance of cybersecurity—ensuring that businesses, individuals and institutions can navigate the digital landscape with confidence and resilience.

The Cyber Fellows Speaker Series is open to Cyber Fellows, related faculty and our external partners. It is an opportunity for Cyber Fellows to have deep conversations with cyber industry professionals, venture capitalists, founders and entrepreneurs. For more information, email randy-roberts@utulsa.edu.