More Than A Ribbon-Cutting
Dear Students and Colleagues,
Next Wednesday, the University will cut the ribbon and officially open the long-awaited Cyber Range in Bull Hall. In many respects, this facility – and more importantly the learning that will take place within it – is a microcosm of the vision we hold for not only our cybersecurity programs, but for the University’s educational mission moving forward.
The Cyber Range will foster learning opportunities that combine advanced technical training with rigorous analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving, intentionally integrating specialized skills with their real-world application. It is a controlled, interactive space where cybersecurity students can learn how to detect and mitigate cyber-attacks with the same cutting-edge tools, techniques, and strategies currently used in professional settings around the world.
Like our natural science labs, nursing simulations labs, and the recently completed Crime Scene Lab, this new facility raises learning up to the next level by providing students with hands-on experience in a sophisticated test environment where they can hone their skills, test their knowledge, and learn from both their successes and their missteps.
In addition, the Cyber Range will bring industry into the learning space, offering our students unique opportunities to collaborate and problem solve with cybersecurity professionals as they practice responding to various security threats, test incident plans, and work as part of a response team.
Advanced facilities like the Cyber Range underscore our commitment to providing relevant, career-centered education through experiential learning that is firmly rooted in the application of high-level analytic skills and a deep understanding of the world we share. It represents a natural extension of what we have done since our founding eighty years ago – preparing our students for successful and rewarding lives as individuals, professionals, and members of their communities.
Lastly, this ribbon-cutting is also a point of personal pride for me. I was Dean of the School of Business and Justice Studies when the idea for the Cyber Range was first developed and when funding was secured from the George I. Alden Trust and the Fred L. Emerson Foundation. After years of tireless effort on the part of our dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators, it is enormously satisfying to see this project ultimately fulfill its promise as a distinctively innovative resource for student achievement at Utica University.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Nesbitt
President