For Theresa Major Payton ’89, Immaculata University has always been more than just a place of learning but rather a launchpad for a career that took her from the university’s intimate campus to the West Wing of the White House, and eventually to the forefront of cybersecurity innovation. Now, with the establishment of the Major-Payton School of Business, she’s returning to those roots to help shape a new generation of ethically grounded, workforce-ready leaders.
“It all started at Immaculata,” said Payton during the university’s 101st commencement ceremony. “The opportunity to give back in this significant way is a dream come true.”
Payton, a trailblazer in cybersecurity and the first woman to serve as White House Chief Information Officer, is co-founding the new school with her husband, Chris Payton. The Major-Payton School of Business will house undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing integrity, innovation, and real-world application — values deeply embedded in Payton’s journey.
“When I was at Immaculata, it wasn’t just about learning the technical skills of business,” she stated. “It was about how to present myself, how to do research, how to be a great employee.”
She credits the university’s close-knit, supportive environment for giving her the opportunity to explore and grow. “You could get involved in as much or as little as you wanted, and for me, that meant a lot of involvement — and a lot of doors opening,” she said.
That environment helped her map out an ambitious academic path: “I had a rough idea of where I wanted to go — I thought I’d do something in international trade finance. But I remember sitting down with my advisor and asking, ‘How many degrees can I get while I’m here?’ She kind of laughed, but that conversation opened up a world of possibilities for me.”
That advising session resulted in a double major and multiple certifications, setting her up for graduate study at the University of Virginia and ultimately launching her into high-level roles in both government and the private sector.
With the new business school, Payton is intent on preparing students for the evolving demands of the modern workforce. “We’re at a major inflection point,” she said. “Quantum computing, AI, blockchain … these technologies are reshaping how we live and work. We need leaders who are not only tech-savvy but also deeply ethical.”
Her vision includes engaging directly with employers to align curriculum with market needs, fostering research partnerships, and integrating faith-based values throughout the educational experience. “I want students to know they can be intellectually curious, innovative, and authentic — including their faith — in the business world.”
Payton added, “As an advisor to the Major-Payton School of Business, I see my role as supporting and building upon the excellent work already being done by the president, faculty, administration, and the IHM Sisters. Their commitment to Immaculata’s mission is the foundation that makes this vision possible.”
University President Barbara Lettiere praised the initiative, saying, “Theresa truly embodies our mission. Through her generosity and leadership, we are building excellent, workforce-prepared professionals.”
As Payton looks to the future, her hopes for the Major-Payton School of Business are clear: “I want Immaculata to be known as a place where values meet innovation — and where leaders are built.”
About Theresa Major Payton and Chris Payton
Theresa Major Payton graduated from Immaculata in 1989 with a double major in Economics and Business, along with certificates in Computers and Business Management. She was the first woman to serve as White House Chief Information Officer, overseeing IT operations for President George W. Bush and 3,000 staff members from 2006-2008. Before that, she held executive roles in banking technology at Bank of America and Wells Fargo.
She is the Founder, President, and CEO of cybersecurity consulting firm Fortalice Solutions, LLC, and also co-founded Dark Cubed, a cybersecurity product that was sold to Celerium. Fortalice was named an Inc. Magazine Power Partner and is recognized as one of the most innovative cybersecurity firms in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region. In 2020, CISO MAG named Payton Cybersecurity Crusader of the Year.
A Best-Selling Author and Public Speaker, Payton appeared on the 2017 CBS reality show Hunted and frequently contributes to national news programs, including NBC’s Today, ABC’s Good Morning America, Fox Business, CBS Evening News, CNN, MSNBC, and international outlets. She is also a member of Immaculata’s Board of Trustees.
Chris Payton initially began his career as a surface warfare officer with the U.S. Navy. He has an extensive background in talent acquisition, training, and development, and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Chris has led global human resources and security teams within Bank of America and Wells Fargo, including as the Head of Global Talent Acquisition, Chief Learning Officer, and Corporate Security Executive at Bank of America, and currently as the Global Talent Acquisition Operations Executive at Wells Fargo.
Chris, Theresa, and their three children live near Charlotte, N.C.
Learn more at Immaculata University. Immaculata University is a comprehensive, co-ed institution of higher learning that has emphasized academic success, student outcomes, and faith-based values for more than 100 years. Offering more than 75 in-demand undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, Immaculata University provides an excellent education, personal support, and meaningful career pathways to tomorrow’s leaders who are focused on intellectual, personal, professional, and spiritual growth. Immaculata’s expansive suburban campus is located in Chester County, 30 miles west of Philadelphia.
