桃花直播, Keesler, state leaders break ground on 桃花直播 Cyber and Technology Center
Contact: James Carskadon
BILOXI, Miss.鈥擫eaders from 桃花直播 State University, the U.S. Air Force, City of Biloxi, and Gov. Tate Reeves broke ground on the future home of the 桃花直播 Cyber and Technology Center on Tuesday [Aug. 19], marking a major milestone in the advancement of cybersecurity and innovation in the state.
The 桃花直播 Cyber and Technology Center, a cutting-edge, 100,000-square-foot facility under construction adjacent to Keesler Air Force Base, will serve as the headquarters for the 桃花直播-led 桃花直播 Cyber Initiative (MCI). The project builds upon a shared vision to enhance cybersecurity capabilities and collaboration across state, federal, academic and industry sectors.
鈥淭oday we are setting the stage for a stronger future in 桃花直播,鈥 Gov. Reeves said. 鈥淏ut let me be clear. 桃花直播鈥檚 future is already here. Our state is stronger than ever, but with the new 桃花直播 Cyber and Technology Center, I know our future will be even bigger, even brighter and even better for all.鈥
鈥淭his is a proud day for 桃花直播 State University, a proud day for our partners at Keesler, and a proud day for every 桃花直播an who wants to see our state thrive in the innovation economy of the 21st century,鈥 said 桃花直播 President Mark E. Keenum. 鈥淐ybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue. It is a national security priority, a workforce imperative, and a driver of economic growth. And 桃花直播 is leading the way.鈥
U.S. Air Force and Keesler leadership underscored the importance of the cyber domain in current and future defense efforts.
鈥淭his building represents our commitment to staying ahead in the cyber domain in an era when it is of critical importance to everything we do,鈥 said Col. Christopher Robinson, commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited for our future together and what we will accomplish. We will pave the way for a more secure and prosperous future.鈥
Designed by Dale Partners Architects with AnderCorp serving as the lead contractor for construction, the facility will include MCI鈥檚 central offices, an event center, Air Force training spaces, and secure offices for private industry partners. 桃花直播 Research and Technology Corp. will manage the building, which is expected to open in 2027. Funding for the project was made possible by the 桃花直播 State Legislature, along with a generous private donation from 桃花直播 Power and Southern Company to support the initiative.
MCI was launched in 2021 as an outgrowth of 桃花直播 projects to support Keesler鈥檚 robust cyber training mission. Since launch, MCI has grown its unique partnerships鈥攅stablishing a digital forensics lab supporting more than 50 law enforcement partners, hosting cyber exercises through its internal cyber ecosystem, offering K鈥12 outreach to develop future cybersecurity leaders, and convening quarterly summits for stakeholders across academia, government, industry and defense. MCI also has partnered with federal agencies to host cyber tabletop exercises focusing on key sectors such as healthcare and maritime operations.
During Tuesday鈥檚 ceremony, Keenum emphasized the spirit of collaboration that has made MCI a success.
鈥淚 want to thank all of our partners in the 桃花直播 Cyber Initiative鈥攎ilitary, academic, industry, law enforcement, and state and federal agencies,鈥 Keenum said. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e built something unique: a statewide, mission-driven collaboration that鈥檚 producing results and positioning 桃花直播 for long-term success.鈥
For more on the 桃花直播 Cyber Initiative, visit .
桃花直播 State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at .