Dakota State Recieves $60 Million for New Cybersecurity Programs

Dakota State Receives $60 Million for New Cybersecurity Programs

Dakota State University is now an official national hub for cyber security thanks to a $60 million donation.

  • August 22, 2017

Dakota State University is now an official national hub for cyber security thanks to a $60 million donation.

The historic donation includes a $30 million gift from Denny Sanford, and Miles and Lisa Beacom, DSU President Jose-Marie Griffiths announced on Sunday. The state will add an additional $10 million, and Governor Dennis Daugaard said he plans to work with Senator Mike Rounds to help the university add another $20 million in federal funds.

"DSU is now armed with a bolder vision and a stronger resolve," Griffiths said.

Following the announcement, a 10-year plan for the $60 million was approved by the South Dakota Board of Regents. This plan includes adding new programs, new facilities and a plan to bring a 5G wireless network to Madison, South Dakota. Also, about $10.2 million will be used toward scholarships for DSU students.

Plans are to build a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) which will allow highly classified government and industry work to be done on the campus and another new building called the Madison Cyber Labs (MadLabs), which is set to begin building in spring 2018. MadLabs will position South Dakota as a key player in national defense when it comes to cyber security, while also drawing new businesses and grant opportunities to the state.

New programs coming to DSU include a doctorate in cyber defense, bachelor's degrees in augmented intelligence, data science and cyber security, and an associate degree in cyber security and intelligence.

It was also announced that, in recognition of the generous contributions made by Miles and Lisa Beacom, the college of computing will be renamed the "Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences.”

The announcement came as DSU celebrated the grand opening of the Beacom Institute of Technology, the first new building on the campus in 30 years.

"Today, here in Madison, South Dakota, we are celebrating the future," Rounds said.

The university's cyber-related majors have more than doubled in enrollment, drawing students from across the nation, and it has been recognized by the National Security Agency, solidifying its reputation as a leader in cyber security education.

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