Mary Dunker appointed director of secure identity services

Vice President for Information Technology Scott Midkiff appointed Mary Dunker director of Secure Identity Services, a new unit within the Division of Information Technology.

The unit provides the systems and technologies for identity management, authentication, and secure access to information resources used throughout the university and by the university’s federated partners. 

Dunker will lead initiatives that include identity management and assurance, secure middleware and authentication, enterprise directory integration and support, public key infrastructure, and software development testing.

“Secure Identity Services was created to position Virginia Tech at the forefront of best practices in identity management, which are critically important to research universities,” said Midkiff.  “As a national leader in authentication, authorization, and security, Mary will be able to apply her unique leadership and experience to guide SIS.”

Dunker began her information technology career at Virginia Tech 38 years ago and has used her background in operating systems support to direct efforts to secure the university’s identity and authentication systems. Previously the director of Secure Enterprise Technology Initiatives, Dunker earned her Global Information Assurance Certification from the SANS Institute. She chaired the InCommon Assurance Advisory Committee in 2012 and 2013, and has co-chaired several EDUCAUSE Information Security boards and working groups.

At Virginia Tech, Dunker is currently leading the implementation of 2-Factor Authentication to increase the security of online information for students, faculty, and staff.

“I am excited to lead this new group that combines resources and personnel from three different departments to support the identity and authentication ecosystem at Virginia Tech,” said Dunker.

Before completing master's level course work in computer science at Virginia Tech, Dunker received her bachelor’s degree in music from Hollins University. She also holds a collegiate professional teaching certificate in secondary school mathematics. 

Written by Leah Johnson, a master's degree student in communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.