What does it take to build a resilient cybersecurity strategy in higher education - especially with limited resources and rising threats?

Tobey Coffman, Chief Information Security Officer at Ball State University, and Ron Pelletier, founder of Pondurance, share how their partnership grew from a single pen test into a fully managed, 24/7 detection and response program. Together, they break down the real-world challenges campuses face, the tipping point that led Ball State to invest in around-the-clock protection, and what makes a vendor-university relationship truly work.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your institution’s cybersecurity posture, this conversation delivers insight, strategy, and lessons learned from the front lines.

Guests: Tobey Coffman, Executive Director of Information Security and Chief Information Security Officer, Ball State University & Ron Pelletier, Founder & Chief Customer Officer, Pondurance
Host: Matt Levine, Category Marketing Manager, E&I Cooperative Services

Relevant Links:

E&I's Pondurance Contract

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.