Jackson State University in Jackson, MS, will be able to support its students pursuing careers in cybersecurity.
According to a news release, the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) has received a $2 million grant from the Entergy Charitable Foundation. To be allocated over several payments, the grant supports the establishment of the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab, which will provide the launching pad for cybersecurity careers.
“I am honored to receive this generous grant on behalf of Jackson State University. This gift will have a lasting impact on the lives of our students and the future of the energy sector,” JSU President Marcus Thompson, Ph.D., said in the news release. “Looking ahead, this lab will not only benefit Jackson State University and our students, but it will also play a critical role in shaping the broader energy landscape.”
Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi president and CEO, commented:
“The robust growth in our company and the state is providing extraordinary opportunities to help build a diverse and skilled workforce in the cybersecurity field. Through this partnership, we’re investing in local talent and competing to keep them here. For more than 100 years, we’ve served communities alongside Jackson State University, and we’re proud to continue powering the bright minds they produce.”
Once the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab is established, students should expect to benefit from education coupled with real-world experiences. By doing so, it will help funnel a generation of students who are well-equipped.
“The establishment of the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab at Jackson State University is truly a game-changer for our students,” said Wilbur Walters, Ph.D., dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. “Having access to a facility such as this means our students won’t just be learning about cybersecurity — they’ll be directly engaging with the same challenges that professionals are facing in the energy sector today.”
He continued, “This hands-on experience makes their education more relevant and impactful. It’s about evolving our curriculum to not only keep pace with the fast-changing tech world but also to ensure our students graduate ready to make a tangible difference.”
