FAMU represents the first such NSIN position at historically Black college or university (HBCU) and a state university system within the NSIN nationwide footprint.

The National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) has named Dr. Marcy Muldrow Sanders as the university program director at her alma mater Florida A&M University (FAMU), and the State University System of Florida. The appointment at FAMU represents the first such NSIN position at historically Black college or university (HBCU) and a state university system within its nationwide footprint.

“We couldn’t be more excited to add the first HBCU to our network of university partners,” said Morgan C. Plummer, Managing Director of NSIN. “We are eager to fully engage the talent in our HBCU communities. This partnership will build an enduring connection between FAMU and the Department of Defense that will open opportunities for service to students and faculty and allow the DoD to tap into the incredible talent pool that lives at FAMU.”

In September 2020, NSIN and the State University System of Florida executed a Memorandum of Understanding formalizing the strategic partnership with a specific mission of fostering defense innovation throughout Florida.

FAMU President Larry Robinson said the partnership builds a critical bridge between creating lasting innovation infrastructure and HBCUs.

“FAMU welcomes alumna Dr. Marcy Muldrow Sanders back to our campus community. This is an important step in our partnership with the National Security Innovation Network and the Department of Defense,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “Sanders’ leadership in this initiative will greatly benefit students and faculty at FAMU and across the State University System of Florida as they seek solutions to issues that impact Florida and the nation as a whole.”

As program director, Muldrow Sanders is also the first university-based NSIN team member in the State of Florida. She will manage innovation outreach and defense ecosystem development for FAMU, the Tallahassee area, and the State of Florida.

“As an alum of Florida A&M and a Navy Veteran, Marcy Muldrow Sanders is the perfect choice as program director to lead NSIN’s effort,” said Plummer. “She will bring her deep experience in the military and her knowledge of all that FAMU has to offer to ensure that pressing national security challenges are connected with the talent capable of finding the solutions.”

Prior to joining NSIN, Sanders spent six years managing contracts and grants for the Florida Defense Support Task Force with Enterprise Florida, Inc.

A retired Navy Commander, Muldrow Sanders’ warfare specialty was Anti-Submarine warfare and she also has an extensive Navy program and policy development experience. She also brings robust program, budget, and workforce management expertise.

Muldrow Sanders holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Florida A&M University, a master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Chaminade University of Honolulu, a Doctor of Public Health in Epidemiology from Capella University, and is a Certified Licensed Building Contractor in the State of Florida.

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ABOUT - National Security Innovation Network (NSIN)

The NSIN mission is to “build networks of innovators that generate new solutions to national security problems.” NSIN is headquartered in Arlington, VA, and has regional offices in 11 commercial innovation hubs throughout the United States. Through its headquarters, regional hubs, and embedded university partnerships, NSIN builds a national network of innovators and delivers programming that solves real-world, DoD problems through collaborative partnerships with non-traditional problem-solvers within the academic and early-stage venture communities.