Marshall University has received $45 million from the State of West Virginia for a new state-of-the-art Institute for Cyber Security, MU announced Thursday. According to the release, this is an unprecedented move toward protecting the nation’s critical online infrastructure and represents an area of growth for the University.
Marshall has recently emerged as a national leader in developing advanced ways to protect critical infrastructure; as well as state, national, and industry assets, said Marshall President Brad D. Smith. “This is a landmark moment for our university, marking profound commitment to safeguarding our digital future and addressing the escalating challenges of the cyber landscape.”
Gov. Jim Justice included the supplemental appropriation funding for the Legislature to consider during a special session this week in Charleston, saying Marshall is quickly becoming the cyber security hub of Appalachia.
“Marshall University is poised to become a national leader in cyber security and this $45 million boost is proof we as a state wholeheartedly endorse and support the program’s growth,” Justice said. “The remarkable efforts of President Smith and his team at Marshall are truly exceptional, and we should all be proud that one of our state’s top universities is making significant strides in this critical industry. I thank those in the West Virginia Legislature for their efforts in appropriating these funds.”
The funding will build a new facility in the “4th Avenue Innovation District” between campus proper and downtown Huntington and will serve as an important anchor for that area.
The proposed building will be located on the northwest corner of Hal Greer Boulevard and 4th Avenue. The facility will house state-of-the-art cyber security technology and training programs as well as become the “cyber locus” for Appalachia—where industry from throughout the region and the country will find training and learn the most up-to-date cyber trends.
Workforce WV estimates there are more than 700,000 cyber security job openings just in the United States. Read more about Marshall University’s new “4th Avenue Innovation District” HERE.
