In Oct 2023, Professor Heng Xu received the INFORMS Information Systems Society Haim Mendelson Teaching Innovation Award at the Conference on Information Systems and Technology in recognition of her outstanding pedagogical contributions to cybersecurity education in the information systems (IS) discipline.

At the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business, she designed and developed a new course titled AI and Cyber Governance, which is now part of the curriculum in three different graduate programs: Master of Science in Management, Professional MBA, and Online MBA programs. This course equips students with essential skills to navigate the complex landscapes of digital security, AI ethics and data governance. It emphasizes critical thinking and real-world applications, preparing future leaders to adeptly manage both the risks and opportunities presented by advanced technologies in diverse business contexts.