Marshall University is building a new home for the Institute for Cyber Security—an advanced facility designed to strengthen West Virginia’s cybersecurity workforce and protect the critical infrastructure that powers our nation.
This state-of-the-art center will serve as a unified hub where education, research, training, and industry partnerships come together, giving students, regional agencies, and national collaborators access to a world-class environment for learning and innovation. By bringing faculty, students, defense partners, and industry experts under one roof, the facility accelerates Marshall University’s leadership in cyber defense and national security readiness.
The building integrates every capability of the Institute for Cyber Security, including Applied Research & Innovation; Critical Infrastructure Protection & Regional Support; Defense Partnerships & National Security Impact; World-Class Learning & Operational Spaces; and Holistic Student Development & Mission-Ready Preparation.
It will house advanced cyber ranges, digital forensics labs, unmanned systems and drone research space, operational technology (OT) environments, instructional labs, collaborative work areas, and flexible training zones for real-world cyber exercises. Every space is intentionally designed to support hands-on learning, technical skill development, applied research, and mission-focused problem solving.
Why This Matters for West Virginia
The Institute for Cyber Security strengthens West Virginia by expanding access to cyber education, training, and workforce development. Through its new facility, the ICS will:
- Provide training for students, professionals, and lifeline learners across the state
- Support organizations across West Virginia and the region with practical cyber readiness resources
- Create in-state pathways for high-demand cybersecurity careers
- Expand opportunities for internships, partnerships, and applied research
These efforts help West Virginia build local talent and meet growing cybersecurity needs.
Economic Impact and Workforce Development
The ICS building will support long-term economic growth by enabling:
- New and expanded cybersecurity career pathways
- Increased training capacity for regional organizations
- Applied research that fuels innovation and commercialization
- Workforce development programs aligned with industry and government needs
- Enhanced statewide cyber resilience across critical infrastructure sectors
Donor Recognition and Naming Opportunities
The new facility will feature a Donor Recognition Wall honoring partners who support the ICS’s mission. This space will highlight contributions that advance cybersecurity education, training and statewide resilience. Elements include:
- Digital or engraved recognition displays
- Tiered recognition levels aligned with partnership opportunities
- Dedicated spaces named in honor of supporting organizations
Building Timeline
Construction began in November 2025
Renderings of the Marshall Institute for Cyber Security
