Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

University of Tulsa Launches Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute

  • By Matt Jones
  • 08/24/23

The University of Tulsa in Tulsa, Okla., recently announced the launch of the Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute, which will focus on research to identify, test, and develop new cyber-workforce and cybersecurity solutions, according to a news release. Its formation is a response to the rise in cybercrime across state and national economies and the need for a more robust cybersecurity workforce.

“The global cost of cybercrime is set to grow from $3 trillion in 2015 to $10.5 trillion by 2025. Last year, more than 700,000 jobs in this field went unfilled,” said Rose Gamble, TU Vice President for Research and Economic Development. “The Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute will capitalize on decades of academic excellence at TU and expand research opportunities to include the expertise needed to put the findings into market.”

According to the news release, the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency reports that one-third of U.S. home computers have been infected with some form of malicious software, 47% of adults have had cyber criminals gain access to their personal information, and 44% of millennials have been victims of cybercrime. Likewise, Cybersecurity Ventures reports that the number of job vacancies in the cybersecurity industry have grown from 1 million in 2013 to 3.5 million in 2023.

The university is establishing the institute through a $24-million investment that will go toward attracting talent, implementing workforce development pipelines, constructing and renovating facilities around campus, launching research and commercialization programs, and building up state infrastructure. $12 million of that seed funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, and the other half comes through a match from the George Kaiser Family Foundation. The institute also announced that it is planning on more than $50 million in funding over the next five years from various public and private sources.

“Continued research and development in the cybersecurity sector is critical for reinforcing vulnerabilities in businesses and in our national defense,” said U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern, R-OK. “TU has already demonstrated their commitment to produce elite talent to fill incredibly important jobs in Tulsa and across the country for this growing industry. This institute will attract and retain even more cybersecurity experts to Tulsa, making our community a world-class center for cybersecurity solutions.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Rhode Island Boarding School Completes Student Dorm Renovations

    St. George’s School in Middletown, R.I., recently announced the completion of a $26-million renovation project on Arden-Diman-Eccles Dormitory, according to a news release. The school partnered with Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA) on the new space, which places a new focus on collaborative community spaces open to both boarding students and day students.

  • California K–12 District Finishes Renovations on Multi-Sport Stadium

    The Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) in Alameda, Calif., recently announced the completion of a renovation project on the Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School stadium, according to a news release. The district partnered with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Bothman Construction on the facility, and funding came from Bond Measure B.

  • University of Arizona Approves New Residence Hall

    The Arizona Board of Regents recently approved plans for a new residence hall at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., according to a news release. The new facility is scheduled to open in fall 2028 and have the capacity for more than 1,200 students, enforcing a new university expectation that all first-year students live on campus.

  • Illinois District Boosts Security at High-School Stadium

    Richmond-Burton Community High School in Richmond, Ill., recently announced that it has completed the redesigned entrance to its high school stadium with a new focus on school security and community engagement, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects and Engineers on the project as part of District #157’s year-long facilities master plan.