University of Tennessee System: Building a secure foundation
See how the University of Tennessee System partnered with Dell to build a stronger, future‑ready security foundation.
By Adam Miller
Key takeaways
The University of Tennessee System partnered with Dell Technologies Services for Managed Detection and Response (MDR) to modernize and secure its multi‑campus environment, gaining 24×7 threat detection and response, strategic advisory, and a unified managed security operations model. This end-to-end partnership strengthened SOC capabilities, improved identity and threat detection, and provided a scalable foundation for future innovation and AI-driven security needs.
With invaluable research and proprietary data to protect, it was clear the University of Tennessee System didn’t just need a solution that was robust; it had to be visionary. Every student, researcher, and faculty member at the University of Tennessee System works toward one goal: to create a future fueled by knowledge and innovation. But what happens when your academic mission is at risk due to a growing wave of cybersecurity threats? This wasn’t just a hypothetical question, but a rallying cry for the university to determine a holistic strategy.
That’s where Dell Technologies stepped in with Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services to deliver a game-changing solution that reshaped the university’s IT security strategy.
A challenge rooted in complexity
For Dan Harder, Chief Academic Technology Officer and Deputy CIO at the University of Tennessee System, the stakes were clear. The university isn’t just about teaching and learning; it’s a hub for cutting-edge research, much of which relies on sensitive and proprietary information. “We don’t think about security too much on the academic side, but it’s so important to everything we do,” he explained.
Building an IT security strategy at this scale, including over five campuses and over 37,000 endpoint systems to be protected, is no small feat. The team had clear goals and turning to multiple vendors or juggling numerous service providers was not an option. Ramon Padilla, the university’s CIO and Vice Chancellor for Innovative Technologies, knew they needed a trusted partner who wouldn’t just provide one piece of the puzzle but would work alongside them to create a secure environment through a range of capabilities from strategic advisory through managed services.
“We specifically went with Dell Technologies because we did not want to manage a portfolio of specialists,” Padilla said. Instead, they wanted a partner capable of delivering a seamless approach to strategic advisory, systems integration and managed security services for an exceptionally complex need.
The next-level solution
This partnership transformed the university’s IT security ecosystem. By partnering with Dell to manage their Security Operations Center (SOC) responsibilities, with Managed Detection and Response with Microsoft, the University of Tennessee gained something they’d never had before—true peace of mind. “We’ve never had 24x7x365 coverage before. And it is a wonderful thing to have,” said Padilla. With Dell handling the constant monitoring, triage, and escalation of alerts, the university’s in-house team could focus on the larger mission of supporting their academic community.
It wasn’t just the around-the-clock coverage that stood out. Dell’s approach to collaboration proved just as invaluable. “When I think about end-to-end partners, I think about someone who can understand higher education but also get things done in a rapid fashion,” Padilla shared.
Instead of simply deploying tools or solving individual issues, Dell’s team asked the big questions. “They don’t immediately come to the table with a technician that’s wanting to solve a specific problem,” Padilla explained. “They’re asking, ‘What is it we’re trying to solve here, and how do we get there?’” That strategic mindset allowed the university to build solutions that aligned with their long-term vision for security and innovation.
Transformative results
The results of this partnership are undeniable. From AI-native threat detection to enhanced identity and access management, the University of Tennessee’s security operations has become a powerhouse of efficiency and protection, ready for the demands of broadening AI adoption. “The Security Operations Center in particular is exceeding my expectations every day,” Padilla said.
A partnership to build the future on
The collaboration between the University of Tennessee System and Dell Technologies highlights an essential truth about modern cybersecurity: it’s a team sport. Today’s cybersecurity challenges are too complex for any single organization to tackle alone. The right partnership doesn’t just deliver solutions; it brings a shared commitment to continually understand the unique needs of the University and work together to defend against evolving threats and develop the skills of future cybersecurity professionals. The right technology partner isn’t just an external provider; they’re an extension of your team, working to propel your vision forward.
Matt Williams, CISO for the University, sums it up best: “Any IT professional that is looking for a technology partner should consider Dell Technologies because they can not only provide hardware and software solutions, but they provide services that extend beyond what you would expect.”
For the University of Tennessee, it wasn’t just about solving today’s problems. It was about creating a resilient foundation for tomorrow. “I can only say good things about our partnership with Dell Technologies. I’d use them again in a heartbeat.” Explore how Dell can help secure and transform your organization today.
