UCCS Ribbon Cutting of the Newly Renovated Cybersecurity Center – GH Phipps

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) celebrated the opening of their newly renovated Cybersecurity Center May 2022. National Cyber Director Chris Inglis provided the keynote.

This project includes the expansion of the O’Neil cybersecurity Education and Research Center and is aimed at addressing the critical importance of cybersecurity education and training for those who plan to lead our cybersecurity workforce in the future.

“With cybersecurity being critical to our country’s infrastructure, it was an honor to help construct a highly technical facility that will educate and develop the cybersecurity workforce of the future.” Jason Wulf, GH Phipps

Cybersecurity classes in the College of Engineering and Applied Science program will be held in the newly finished space. A long-term goal for the university is to host activities and interdisciplinary cybersecurity classes supporting other degrees from the Colleges of Business; Education; Letters, Arts & Sciences; and the School of Public Affairs in this expanded space.

“Highlights of the space include large executive conference rooms, faculty/staff rooms, and cybersecurity classrooms. It’s a standalone space from the main college campus featuring collaboration options and systems for providing natural light and food service stations.” Jim Gettman, GH Phipps

UCCS Chancellor Venkat Reddy has highlighted the importance of partnership in those who make the O’Neil Center possible and those who join UCCS as part of the cybersecurity community.

“The UCCS cybersecurity facility has grown and transformed over the years to serve as a great asset for our community,” said Reddy. “This double ribbon-cutting marks a milestone: Our expanded cybersecurity spaces, including the new Kevin W. O’Neil Cybersecurity Education and Research Center and the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center, will spark opportunities for UCCS students, faculty, staff, alumni and our community. UCCS is primed to meet the cybersecurity needs of our region, from education and research partnerships to developing the cybersecurity workforce of the future.” 

The project was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), part of the US Department of Commerce, under the direction of U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. Their $2.75M grant was matched by Lane Foundation, Anschutz Foundation, and El Pomar Foundation.

To learn more about cybersecurity programs and education pathways at UCCS, visit the Cybersecurity Program Office.