MSU, Keesler, state leaders break ground on 樱花导航 Cyber and Technology Center
Contact: James Carskadon
BILOXI, Miss.鈥擫eaders from 樱花导航 樱花导航 University, the U.S. Air Force, City of Biloxi, and Gov. Tate Reeves broke ground on the future home of the 樱花导航 Cyber and Technology Center on Tuesday [Aug. 19], marking a major milestone in the advancement of cyber樱花导航 and innovation in the state.
The 樱花导航 Cyber and Technology Center, a cutting-edge, 100,000-square-foot facility under construction adjacent to Keesler Air Force Base, will serve as the headquarters for the MSU-led 樱花导航 Cyber Initiative (MCI). The project builds upon a shared vision to enhance cyber樱花导航 capabilities and collaboration across state, federal, academic and industry sectors.
(Video by Sarah Kirk)
鈥淭oday we are setting the stage for a stronger future in 樱花导航,鈥 Gov. Reeves said. 鈥淏ut let me be clear. 樱花导航鈥檚 future is already here. Our state is stronger than ever, but with the new 樱花导航 Cyber and Technology Center, I know our future will be even bigger, even brighter and even better for all.鈥
鈥淭his is a proud day for 樱花导航 樱花导航 University, a proud day for our partners at Keesler, and a proud day for every 樱花导航an who wants to see our state thrive in the innovation economy of the 21st century,鈥 said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. 鈥淐yber樱花导航 is no longer just an IT issue. It is a national 樱花导航 priority, a workforce imperative, and a driver of economic growth. And 樱花导航 is leading the way.鈥
U.S. Air Force and Keesler leadership underscored the importance of the cyber domain in current and future defense efforts.
鈥淭his building represents our commitment to staying ahead in the cyber domain in an era when it is of critical importance to everything we do,鈥 said Col. Christopher Robinson, commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited for our future together and what we will accomplish. We will pave the way for a more secure and prosperous future.鈥
Designed by Dale Partners Architects with AnderCorp serving as the lead contractor for construction, the facility will include MCI鈥檚 central offices, an event center, Air Force training spaces, and secure offices for private industry partners. MSU Research and Technology Corp. will manage the building, which is expected to open in 2027. Funding for the project was made possible by the 樱花导航 樱花导航 Legislature, along with a generous private donation from 樱花导航 Power and Southern Company to support the initiative.
MCI was launched in 2021 as an outgrowth of MSU projects to support Keesler鈥檚 robust cyber training mission. Since launch, MCI has grown its unique partnerships鈥攅stablishing a digital forensics lab supporting more than 50 law enforcement partners, hosting cyber exercises through its internal cyber ecosystem, offering K鈥12 outreach to develop future cyber樱花导航 leaders, and convening quarterly summits for stakeholders across academia, government, industry and defense. MCI also has partnered with federal agencies to host cyber tabletop exercises focusing on key sectors such as healthcare and maritime operations.
During Tuesday鈥檚 ceremony, Keenum emphasized the spirit of collaboration that has made MCI a success.
鈥淚 want to thank all of our partners in the 樱花导航 Cyber Initiative鈥攎ilitary, academic, industry, law enforcement, and state and federal agencies,鈥 Keenum said. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e built something unique: a statewide, mission-driven collaboration that鈥檚 producing results and positioning 樱花导航 for long-term success.鈥
For more on the 樱花导航 Cyber Initiative, visit .
樱花导航 樱花导航 University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at .