West Virginia Executive Summer 2025 | Page 65

cyberattacks and mitigate incidents at a speed and scale that is just impossible for humans.”
Some of today’ s largest vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure come from the convergence of legacy systems with modern technology, human error and a lower barrier of entry for adversaries. AI can help identify those vulnerabilities more quickly. That is why continued research and innovation are pivotal— areas in which WVU is already blazing trails.
“ WVU has established itself as a national leader in cybersecurity research, outreach and education,” Ramezan says.“ As the land-grant, flagship, R1 institution in the state, we’ ve attracted world-class researchers in cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection and national security.”
The CRRC’ s proficiencies are helping position West Virginia as a leader in cybersecurity. The entire state is strengthening its cyber ecosystem by working with state and federal agencies and maintaining partnerships that lay the foundation for development and research.
“ When you combine the amazing work at WVU with the state’ s investment in the Institute for Cybersecurity( ICS) facility in Huntington and its surrounding innovation district, it is easy to see why the Department of Defense and the private sector would find West Virginia to be the right place at the right time for investment in the future of cyber,” Walker says.
At Marshall, Alexandria Donathan, executive director of the ICS, leads the charge in strategic direction, operations and external partnerships for the institute.
“ My role involves aligning our educational, research and outreach initiatives with national cybersecurity priorities while creating real-world training environments for students, focusing on innovation, workforce development and community resilience in cybersecurity,” she says.
Donathan’ s vision is to position Marshall’ s ICS as a national leader in cybersecurity education, innovation, workforce readiness and applied research.
“ We want to build an environment where students graduate not only with theoretical knowledge but with hands-on experience solving real-world cyber challenges,” Donathan says.“ My background in defense operations taught me the urgency of cyber defense operations and the importance of interoperability between sectors. That experience drives our focus on building a mission-ready talent pipeline to meet real security demands across government and industry.”
The Marshall ICS earned the designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity because of its bachelor’ s degree in cyber forensics and security.
“ This recognition means students are getting a top-tier education aligned with national standards, giving them a competitive edge in the cybersecurity industry,” Donathan says.“ The program is designed to meet the high expectations of leading employers, including government agencies like the National Security Agency and Department of Defense, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to tackle the ever-changing cyber landscape.”
Marshall’ s program truly shines when it comes to hands-on learning opportunities. Students not only work with professional-grade labs and tools, but they are also exposed to real-world scenarios along with internship and research opportunities.
Alexandria Donathan
Executive Director, Institute for Cybersecurity Marshall University
“ My leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, adaptability and transparency. I’ m focused on building an empowered team that values impact over ego and innovation over tradition. At the ICS, that means fostering a culture where faculty, staff, students and partners work together toward a common mission: preparing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders and defenders.”
Christopher Ramezan, Ph. D., CISSP, CISM
Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity, West Virginia University
Executive Director, Cyber Resilience Resource Center
“ West Virginia recognizes that our state and national security doesn’ t live in a vacuum. Our economic stability, current and future workforce, business attraction and development and long-term prosperity depend on a cyber-resilient West Virginia. We are well on our way towards that end.”
Bill Walker
Senior Adviser for National Security and Cyberspace Programs West Virginia University
“ Over time, we believe cybersecurity will help reposition West Virginia from a state known primarily for traditional industries to one recognized for digital leadership, national service and technological excellence.”
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