Jackson State University (JSU) has secured a significant milestone with the recent acquisition of a $2 million grant from the Entergy Charitable Foundation. The initiative, announced on October 7, 2024, is tailored to establish the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab at JSU. This collaboration aims to enhance cybersecurity education and training, particularly for industries such as nuclear, electric, and natural gas.
JSU, a historically black institution renowned for high research activity, plans to use these funds to create an innovation hub that meets the growing demand for a skilled cybersecurity workforce. This partnership promises to give JSU students hands-on, real-world experience in safeguarding critical infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Dr. Marcus Thompson, President of JSU, stressed the lab’s pivotal role in shaping both the future of the university’s students and the broader energy landscape.
The press conference announcing this grant featured several notable attendees, including Congressman Bennie Thompson, who was commended for his support. Entergy officials, like CEO Drew Marsh, voiced their commitment to diversity and developing local talent, affirming that the partnership will help retain skilled professionals within Mississippi.
Dr. Wilbur Walters, Dean of JSU’s College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, emphasized the lab’s transformative effect on the cybersecurity curriculum. He highlighted that the hands-on training provided by the lab will better equip students to tackle industry challenges effectively.
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by an alarming global shortage of cybersecurity professionals. According to a 2022 report by (ISC)², there are nearly 700,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions in the U.S. alone. With cyber threats growing increasingly sophisticated, the demand for skilled cybersecurity experts has become critical to national security and economic stability.
Echoing these concerns, Haley Fisackerly, President and CEO of Entergy Mississippi, reiterated the essential nature of robust cybersecurity measures. Fisackerly likened the importance of electricity to that of preventing cyber threats, emphasizing that this partnership aims to make Mississippi a leader in cybersecurity by leveraging local talent and providing substantial career opportunities for JSU graduates.
Conclusively, this forward-thinking initiative is poised to mold future leaders in cybersecurity, addressing pressing workforce shortages and enhancing national security. Through this grant, JSU aims to not only transform its students’ educational experiences but also contribute significantly to the energy sector’s cybersecurity defenses. The collaborative effort between JSU and Entergy represents a strategic investment in education, community, and workforce diversity.
