Securing Tomorrow

The Central Texas Cyber Range (CTCR) — a $3.5 million partnership between Baylor University and McLennan Community College (MCC) — positions Central Texas to be a leader in addressing current and future cybersecurity needs. Designed to specialize in applied research and education, the CTCR provides comprehensive research in cybersecurity and resilience, as well as training for the cybersecurity workforce to address critical needs at the local, national and international levels.

Launched in September 2023, the CTCR secured $2.5 million in funding from Department of Education grant awards through two congressional appropriations championed by Congressman Pete Sessions, more than $1 million in funding from Baylor’s Office of the Vice Provost for Research and additional funding from private donors. Partnerships with MCC and industry helped elevate the project from idea to fruition.

The Cyber Range is housed within the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC), in a 3,000-square-foot space outfitted with the latest technology and designed for future expansion. “Cybersecurity is a matter of high priority for our citizens, our industries and the state,” said Baylor Provost Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D. “The preparation of cybersecurity professionals to protect our systems and data will take place at our range, serving the entire Central Texas region.” 

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field whose impact ranges from critical national security infrastructure to the personal accounts of anyone who conducts business online. With that growth comes dramatic opportunity and need for qualified practitioners. A recent Forbes article estimated over 700,000 open cybersecurity jobs in the United States, with approximately 82,000 of those located in Texas.

The CTCR aims to address those needs through training and education aimed at every age level, from young people in local schools earning various certifications to professionals looking to enhance their skills or job prospects. Additionally, the CTCR supports a range of educational opportunities, including cybersecurity certification programs, a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity with a pathway from MCC to Baylor and cybersecurity concentrations as a part of master’s degrees.

Both MCC and Baylor hold the designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. Baylor is also a member of the USCYBERCOM Academic Engagement Network. Partnerships with industry and other higher education institutions will expand the range of connections for individuals who engage in CTCR education and training.

“Expertise in cybersecurity is a critical and growing need all over the world. Unfortunately, the existing qualified workforce is much smaller than the number of job openings,” said Greg Hamerly, Ph.D., interim chair and professor, Department of Computer Science. “The CTCR is both a resource for training in cybersecurity and an engine for creating economic opportunity. Our certification programs can help people land new jobs as well as extend cybersecurity skillsets for promotions to higher paying positions.”

Programming and outreach to area schools began in July 2023, when the CTCR held its first high school summer camp with nearly 70% of participants coming from underrepresented population groups. The CTCR will continue to build out additional programming focused on industry and government training and community-focused seminars to bridge the gap between workforce needs and individual and community training.

The CTCR’s research endeavors draw from the expertise of recognized faculty in Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science and MCC. Areas of research focus include cyber resilience and security innovation, with a focus on transformational applied research that grows to address real problems faced by industry and government.

“Building a platform like this requires agility, and Baylor’s adaptability in collaborating with academic institutions, government, and industry partners is evident here,” said Pablo Rivas, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science at Baylor and CTCR executive director. “Collaboration has been instrumental in expanding education and training programs to meet
current and future workforce needs while driving economic growth in Central Texas and beyond.”