Stamp Cyber Command Center to Prepare SEMO Students and Regional Businesses for the Future of Cyber Defense

The cutting-edge Stamp Cyber Command Center is designed to prepare SEMO students for impactful careers in cybersecurity by offering offer hands-on training and immersive simulations that replicate real-world cyber threats, equipping students with the skills and expertise needed to respond to the evolving cybercrime landscape.

"The Charles Stamp Cyber Command Center will be a game-changer for our students, providing them with the training they need to step directly into high-demand cybersecurity roles," said SEMO President Dr. Carlos Vargas. "This facility also positions us as a key player in regional workforce development by offering cybersecurity training opportunities for local businesses and organizations."

The facility's development was made possible by a generous $1 million gift from Charles Stamp, a 1971 SEMO graduate, who is dedicated to advancing educational opportunities for future cybersecurity professionals.

"This center represents a significant step in preparing students for the challenges of today's digital economy," said Stamp. "I'm excited to contribute to creating a learning environment where students can build practical skills that will make them invaluable assets in the cybersecurity field."

Aligned to the IBM Cyber Campus service offering, SEMO's collaboration with IBM Consulting on their command center infrastructure and resources ensures the Stamp Cyber Command Center will provide training that simulates real-world scenarios and insights into the latest trends and best practices in AI and cybersecurity. This collaboration aims to address the rapidly growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals, with over 7,400 related job openings in Missouri alone this year.

"With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, it's crucial that we provide college students with immersive hands-on training and simulation programs that leverage AI-era best-practices to prepare them for the challenges of the cybersecurity field," said IBM's Missouri's Senior State Executive Melissa Long Dolson. "Through this new Cyber Command center, SEMO and IBM are working collaboratively to create more effective and realistic training scenarios, giving students the skills they need to succeed while helping reduce the cyber workforce talent gap."

Dolson says in its IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2024, IBM finds the education sector persists as one of the most targeted industries by cybercriminals and working with academic institutions like SEMO on their transformative journey to grow their modern cybersecurity curriculum is a priority that will benefit the state and the country.

The Stamp Cyber Command Center features three types of cyber consoles, an immersive 27-foot display wall, an observation room, and dedicated servers. These resources will enable students to engage in realistic cyber breach scenarios, test their responses to enterprise-level threats, and develop stronger security protocols. This hands-on learning will make a significant difference in students' ability to understand and address the complex challenges of cybersecurity in today's interconnected world.

Beyond student training, the Stamp Cyber Command Center will serve as a hub for cybersecurity competitions and offer specialized training sessions for area businesses. This facility will provide crucial education and skills training to local and regional companies as they work to better protect themselves against the increasing threat of cyberattacks.

The opening of the Charles Stamp Cyber Command Center also underscores SEMO's statewide mission in computer science and cybersecurity, officially recognized by House Bill 297, signed into law by Governor Mike Parson in 2021. This designation reinforces SEMO's role as Missouri's leader in advancing cybersecurity education and workforce development. The facility was supported through State of Missouri funding through a MoExcels grant to assist in development of training programs and initiatives.

"The investment in this center aligns with Missouri's commitment to expanding high-demand fields like cybersecurity," said Dr. Vargas. "Our goal is to prepare students to not only enter the workforce but to lead in shaping the future of cyber defense."

Southeast Missouri State University is a leading institution focused on providing quality education and practical experiences to prepare students for successful careers. With a strong emphasis on cybersecurity and computer science, SEMO is dedicated to closing the workforce gap and fostering partnerships that enhance educational and professional opportunities in the region.