Huntington, West Virginia — Construction will soon begin on the Marshall University Cybersecurity Institute facility in Huntington.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday afternoon at the corner of Hal Greer Boulevard and Fourth Avenue.
Officials from Marshall University, West Virginia University, the West Virginia National Guard, Joint Forces Command, part of the U.S. Cyber Command – Department of Defense Information Networks, and other state and federal leaders, were in attendance at the new building.
The project represents early progress in establishing the National Center for Cybersecurity in Critical Infrastructure, hailed as the second center of its kind in the country on a university campus. The other institution is the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Marshall President Brad Smith said reaching this point required a collaborative effort with multiple partners.
“Securing networks, data, and critical infrastructure in this environment is not just a requirement; it is an imperative. This is beyond the scope of any one agency or institution to tackle alone. , building strategic partnerships between industry, academia, the military and government is critical,” Smith said at Friday's ceremony.
Marshall is working with WVU and the military to establish the center. WVU President Gordon Gee said there is no competition between the two universities in terms of enhancing what West Virginia can offer to cybersecurity students.
“We're going to be a gateway to ensuring our security as a nation. We're going to be a gateway to making sure that the students who come here have a mission, not just an education. ,” Gee said.
The university received a $45 million grant from the state last year just to build the facility. The bill was approved by lawmakers during a special session in August 2023.
State Senate President Craig Blair (R-Berkeley) and House Speaker Roger Hanshaw (R-Clay) said the money is essential to elevating West Virginia's standing.
“If you put $45 million into this, it's going to be a success, and it's going to not only uplift Marshall University, but it's going to uplift this community,” Blair said.
“We did it that day because we recognize that cybersecurity and information technology will leave a mark on our 21st century economy as a nation,” Hanshaw said.
Excited @Marshall Today, construction is scheduled to begin on the Cybersecurity Institute and the National Center of Excellence for Cybersecurity in Critical Infrastructure, which will be located within the institute. pic.twitter.com/ZOAzY5qfYG
— Shelley Moore Capito (@SenCapito) May 17, 2024
The center will have four floors and 90,000 square feet. The ground floor will include retail space for restaurants and other stores. The second and third floors will be designated for academic use, including a cybersecurity laboratory. The fourth floor will be leased to industry partners.
Brigadier General Michael Cadle, commander of the West Virginia National Guard, said the military's involvement is important.
“We believe we can add value and contribute to the research and workforce development opportunities that the national center brings,” Khadr said.
Also in attendance Friday was U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-Va.), who said she is excited to attract more students from around the country to Marshall.
“It's not just about helping West Virginians. It's about doing what we do best: educating, informing, and serving not just the next solid workforce, but the great patriots of this country.” “This will draw regional and national magnets back to West Virginia,” Capito said.
Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2026.
