Arkansas State University is partnering with Kalmer Solutions of Jonesboro to establish a student-led Security Operations Center, which will provide students with hands-on cybersecurity experience while strengthening the university’s digital infrastructure.
Set to launch in the fall, the Red Wolf SOC will be housed within A-State’s Information Technology Services division and will serve as a real-world training environment where students monitor cybersecurity threats, identify vulnerabilities and support security operations in a controlled setting, according to a press release.
The initiative was formalized through a three-year agreement between the university and Kalmer.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers while also enhancing the security of our campus systems,” said Chris Boothman, vice chancellor for distance education and technology and chief information officer.
The SOC will initially include six students each semester — three undergraduate students and three graduate assistants — working in structured, shift-based roles during standard university business hours. Students will gain experience in threat monitoring, incident response and cybersecurity operations while working alongside university IT professionals and industry mentors.
Under the agreement, Kalmer Solutions will provide mentorship, training, collaboration and a significant ongoing investment to support the program, the release stated. The commitment from Kalmer includes support for a full-time SOC coordinator position and graduate assistant stipends.
“This partnership is about investing in students early and giving them real-world experience,” said Kalmer Solutions CEO Nathan LaRue. “That’s how we build the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to support employers across our region and beyond.”
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