MIDWEST CITY — Rhodes State University announces the official opening of the Tannenbaum Center for Aerospace and Cybersecurity. The center is described as a “lighthouse of innovation and education poised to shape the future of aerospace and cybersecurity education.”
A grand opening and ribbon-cutting event was held on March 28th, with notable guests in attendance, including State President Dr. Rose. Jeanie Webbwith dick Glenna TannenbaumGovernor Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma House of Representatives Tom ColeChancellor of the Oklahoma State Board of Higher Education Alison Garrett.
of Tannenbaum Aerospace and Cybersecurity Center has its roots in a vision to support the workforce needs of the aerospace and cybersecurity industries.
In 2019, Rhodes State University US Department of Commerce An $880,000 grant was allocated for the construction of the Cyber Security Center.
This vision was further strengthened by a generous gift of $1.3 million from . Dick and Glenna Tannenbaumwhich made it easy to incorporate critical program equipment and furniture into the newly renovated space.
“Aerospace and cybersecurity are critical areas that drive Oklahoma's economy forward,” said Tannenbaum, the company's principal owner and CEO. Gardner Tannenbaum.
“The Tannenbaum Center represents our dedication to developing talent and fostering innovation that will give our state’s key industries access to a qualified workforce pipeline.”
With more than 700,000 job openings in the cybersecurity field as of fall 2023, and information security analyst jobs expected to grow by 35% by 2031, the need for qualified talent in this field will increase. it is clear.
Oklahoma's higher education system produced an average of 840 graduates in cyber and cyber-related fields between 2015 and 2019. Oklahoma Department of Commerce We predict that approximately 2,000 new cyber jobs will be created each year over the next five years.
moreover, Tinker Air Force Base (TAFB) The company expects to see significant job growth of nearly 10,000 in cybersecurity jobs over the same period.
To meet this demand and provide hands-on learning opportunities, the Tannenbaum Aerospace and Cybersecurity Center's newly renovated facility features 45 workstations and flexible configurations that can accommodate up to 80 students. Equipped with state-of-the-art features, including a dedicated laboratory. at the same time.
This setup is complemented by a cyber lounge, instructor office, tutoring center, conference room, and multiple classrooms to provide a comprehensive environment for students to improve their cybersecurity skills both in-person and remotely.
“In establishing the Tannenbaum Center for Aerospace and Cybersecurity, we are taking a significant step forward to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in these critical industries,” said Dr. Webb.
“This initiative builds on our ongoing efforts to: Workforce Excellence Center, fostering collaboration between educational institutions, industry partners, and local communities. ”
The Tannenbaum Aerospace and Cybersecurity Center's first event will be a CMMC training event on April 17 and 18, 2024.
In collaboration with Small Business Development Center and guernsey islandthis event is intended to: Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance of Department of Defense (DoD) contractors and subcontractors;
The two-day event will feature workshops, sessions, and networking opportunities to accommodate companies of all sizes and levels of CMMC knowledge. Those interested can register at https://workforcece.rose.edu/rose/course/course.aspx?C=250&pc=6&mc=0&sc=0.
rose state university The blurb states, “Pending approval by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), it is the only two-year university offering a soon-to-be applied Bachelor of Applied Technology degree in Cybersecurity.” This program provides students with the essential skills and knowledge they need to excel. In the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity. ”
Background information about Rose State University and the new Tannenbaum Aerospace and Cybersecurity Center is available online at https://www.rose.edu/.
Rhodes State University, a two-year community college located in Midwest City, Oklahoma, was founded in 1970 and is considered a top-ranked community college, serving more than 13,000 students annually. Rhodes State University offers more than 60 different degree programs, small class sizes with a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio, on-campus residence halls, and one of the lowest tuition rates in Oklahoma .
