The University of Wisconsin-Platteville celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated Cyberlab on Jan. 25. The lab has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility designed to attract, recruit and train top cybersecurity talent.
With cyber threats becoming increasingly common, the need for cybersecurity professionals has never been greater. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry is projected to grow by 32% by 2032. UW-Platteville's Cyberlab is equipped with the latest technologies and tools to provide students with the hands-on experiences necessary to prepare them for the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.
"As Pioneers, it is important that we stay on the cutting edge, and today, we celebrate having a modern space for a modern program," said Chancellor Tammy Evetovich.
Chancellor Evetovich also thanked the generosity of several alumni donors who made the renovation possible. That included Ron and Eileen Meissen, who donated $50,000 to make the lab a reality. Ron Meissen, the vice chair of the UW-Platteville Foundation Board of Directors, has been a significant supporter of the cybersecurity program. He said the renovated Cyberlab will uniquely position the university to train the next generation of professionals to meet a growing regional and national demand.
"This will be a great learning environment for the students and a fantastic place to bring prospective students and their parents," Meissen said. "I think this is just one example of alumni and the university working together to make a real positive impact on the learning environment for students."
The Meissens, along with other contributors, have also established the CSSE Endowed Scholarship Fund with a goal to reach $100,000 by the end of 2024. These scholarships will aid in attracting and retaining students interested in computer science, including the growing field of cybersecurity.
The Cyberlab is located at 207 Busby Hall. Visit www.uwplatt.edu/program/cybersecurity to learn more about the UW-Platteville cybersecurity program. To contribute to the CSSE scholarship, visit uwplatt.edu/give.