Marshall University’s Institute for Cybersecurity announced on Mar. 26 a partnership with Intuit to create a student-led Security Operations Center, offering students practical experience in cyber defense. The initiative aims to prepare students to defend enterprise systems and infrastructure by providing hands-on training in threat detection, incident response, log analysis, and adversary emulation under faculty supervision and industry mentorship.
The collaboration is intended to strengthen the national cybersecurity workforce pipeline while supporting secure digital ecosystems. Alex Donathan, Executive Director of the Institute for Cybersecurity at Marshall University, said, “This partnership represents the convergence of education and operational reality. By building a student-led SOC in collaboration with Intuit, we are not simulating cyber defense; we are operationalizing it. Our students graduate mission-ready, with experience that directly translates to protecting enterprise systems and national infrastructure.”
Atticus Tysen, Intuit’s Chief Information Security Officer, said, “To protect the digital ecosystem of tomorrow, we need a pipeline of cyber talent with real-world expertise. Working with Marshall University to build a student-led Security Operations Center provides exactly that—an immersive training ground for cyber defense. This investment ensures students are mission-ready from day one, having mastered the hands-on skills required to secure enterprise systems at scale.”
The announcement marks progress on commitments made by both organizations in March 2025 to enhance education and economic development in West Virginia through technology-focused job preparation such as cybersecurity roles. The new center will integrate advanced security tools like SIEM platforms and EDR technologies while exposing students to compliance documentation processes and executive-level incident reporting.
In addition to direct training experiences for students across West Virginia and the Appalachian region, the center will support research initiatives as well as community assistance efforts related to cybersecurity. According to the official website, Marshall University fosters inclusive excellence through its educational programs while extending its reach throughout West Virginia and beyond.
Brad D. Smith has served as Marshall University’s 38th president according to the university’s official website. The institution offers undergraduate through professional programs across its colleges according to university sources, aiming also “to promote the public good through accredited educational programs” as stated on its website.
The phased implementation of this student-led SOC is scheduled for the upcoming academic year with performance benchmarks tracked annually.
