St. John’s University is strengthening its role in homeland security education through a new partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s New York Field Office. Together, the two organizations have established the Institute for Border Security and Intelligence Studies, which will be housed within The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies.
The partnership was formalized on April 30 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in St. Augustine Hall, located near the University’s Homeland Security Simulation Lab and Sanford Family Cyber Security Lab. The agreement lays the groundwork for collaborative training initiatives designed to enhance intelligence capabilities among CBP personnel while offering students hands-on learning and career development opportunities.
Bridging Education and Operational Experience
The new institute will serve as a hub where academic research and frontline security practice intersect. Through joint programming, CBP employees will receive advanced training focused on identifying and responding to emerging intelligence challenges. At the same time, St. John’s students will gain exposure to real-world border security operations in an evolving national security landscape.
University leaders in attendance at the signing included Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Simon G. Møller, Distinguished Chair and Dean of the Collins College of Professional Studies Luca Iandoli, and Keith Cozine, Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security. CBP representatives included alumni Frank Russo, Director of Field Operations for the New York Field Office, and Sal Ingrassia, Port Director at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Preparing for the Unknown
Dr. Cozine, who brings extensive experience from the law enforcement and intelligence sectors, emphasized the importance of education in addressing unpredictable security threats.
“Training equips professionals for expected challenges, but education prepares them for what they cannot anticipate,” he said. “Border security officers face uncertainty every day, and our responsibility is to prepare both current and future professionals to respond thoughtfully and effectively.”
A Strong Foundation in Security Education
St. John’s has a long-standing reputation for leadership in homeland security and cybersecurity education. The University offers undergraduate degrees in Homeland Security and Cyber Security Systems, as well as graduate programs in Homeland Security, Criminal Justice Leadership, and Cyber and Information Security.
In addition, St. John’s provides dual bachelor’s-to-master’s pathways and a doctoral degree in Homeland Security. Instruction at the new institute will initially focus on undergraduate students, with plans to expand into graduate-level offerings in the future.
Opportunities for Students and Professionals
Under the agreement, students may gain access to CBP’s New York Field Office, allowing them to observe and participate in real-time operational environments. These experiences are expected to enhance job readiness and career prospects after graduation.
CBP professionals will also contribute as guest lecturers, mentors, and advisors, while St. John’s faculty will support CBP by providing subject-matter expertise for training and educational initiatives. The University will identify qualified students for CBP internship programs and offer CBP access to its simulation facilities to support realistic training exercises.
A Partnership Rooted in Purpose
The idea for the institute began with a conversation between Dr. Cozine and George Pasiakos, Assistant Director of Field Operations for the CBP New York Field Office, on September 11, 2021—the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Their shared vision was to create a program grounded in research while remaining closely connected to professional practice.
Subsequent discussions led to the agreement, which University leaders believe will significantly enhance both academic and professional opportunities for students.
Strengthening National Security Through Collaboration
Dean Luca Iandoli described the institute as a meaningful step forward for the University and its students.
“This initiative offers a rare combination of academic rigor and industry partnership,” he said. “It creates a space where students and faculty can advance knowledge in an area that is vital to the safety and stability of our nation.”
Provost Simon G. Møller echoed that sentiment, highlighting the value of experiential learning.
“Every university educates,” he said. “What distinguishes great universities is their ability to connect students with real-world expertise. This partnership exemplifies that mission.”
With the launch of the Institute for Border Security and Intelligence Studies, St. John’s University and U.S. Customs and Border Protection aim to shape the next generation of homeland security professionals—equipped not only with technical skills, but with the critical thinking needed to address tomorrow’s challenges.
