UA Little Rock Dedicates CORE Center to Expand Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development Across Arkansas
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock today celebrated the dedication of its new Cyberspace Operations, Research, and Education (CORE) Center, a major step forward in strengthening cybersecurity education, applied research, and workforce development for the State of Arkansas.
The CORE Center was established through a $1 million grant from Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, whose support has enabled UA Little Rock to expand hands-on, high-impact learning opportunities in one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most critical fields.
“Cybersecurity is one of the most pressing challenges facing industries today, and it continues to grow more complex every day,” said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “At UA Little Rock, we take seriously our responsibility to prepare students with the skills, training, and experience they need to make meaningful contributions in the workforce from day one. This investment allows us to expand access to high-quality cybersecurity education and better serve the needs of Arkansas.”
The CORE Center enhances UA Little Rock’s already well-regarded cybersecurity programs by providing advanced lab space, immersive training environments, and new opportunities for collaboration with government, military, and industry partners. The center is designed to support workforce-aligned education across cybersecurity, digital forensics, and emerging applications of artificial intelligence.
Dr. Philip Huff, director of the CORE Center and associate professor of computer science, said the facility significantly expands the university’s ability to deliver real-world training aligned with current workforce demands.
“Our students train in real-world scenarios using the same tools and techniques they’ll encounter in the field,” Huff said. “That level of preparation doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentional vision, resources, and strong partnerships. The CORE Center allows us to deepen those experiences and strengthen the pipeline of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals Arkansas needs.”
UA Little Rock’s cybersecurity programs emphasize both academic rigor and workforce relevance, with curriculum shaped in collaboration with public-sector and private-sector partners. Students develop not only technical expertise, but also critical skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, capabilities essential in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
While the CORE Center will help meet immediate workforce needs, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin emphasized its potential to extend far beyond campus and state lines.
He noted the importance of international cybersecurity and the continued expansion of cybersecurity programs positions UA Little Rock to become a global leader in the field.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “I don’t think we can fully envision what could come out of this if we lean in and understand the global reach of what’s about to be done here.”
The CORE Center will support students at multiple stages of their academic and professional journeys, including Courtney Ingram, a recent graduate of UA Little Rock’s undergraduate cybersecurity program and a current master’s student.
Ingram returned to college as an adult learner and was among the first graduates of the university’s undergraduate cybersecurity program. Just weeks before graduation, she began working as an information security analyst associate with Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, where she now monitors threats and supports secure operations.
“Returning to school later in life wasn’t always easy, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Ingram said. “The support I received here helped me build confidence and find a career that truly fits. Investments like this create real opportunities for students who are ready to grow, ready to work, and ready to contribute.”
UA Little Rock currently offers undergraduate certificates and a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, and the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees has approved a new master’s degree in cybersecurity, further expanding pathways for students to advance their education in this high-demand field.
Following the dedication ceremony, guests toured the CORE Center, met with faculty and students, and explored how the facility supports hands-on learning, applied research, and workforce preparation in cybersecurity and related disciplines.