Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – Arkansas State University has announced a new partnership with Kalmer Solutions to establish a student-led Security Operations Center (SOC), providing students with hands-on cybersecurity experience while strengthening the university’s digital infrastructure.
Set to launch in fall 2026, 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.
The initiative is formalized through a three-year agreement between A-State and Kalmer Solutions to collaboratively develop, fund and sustain the program.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers while also enhancing the security of our campus systems,” said Chris Boothman, A-State’s vice chancellor for distance education and technology and chief information officer.
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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 serve as the founding strategic industry partner, providing mentorship, training, collaboration and a significant ongoing investment to support the program. This commitment includes support for a full-time SOC coordinator position and graduate assistant stipends, reinforcing a shared focus on long-term sustainability and student success.
“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.”
In addition to hands-on experience, students will engage in professional development opportunities, workshops and applied research initiatives, including emerging areas such as automation and artificial intelligence in cybersecurity.
The program is designed to grow over time, with opportunities to expand student participation, extend operational coverage, and potentially scale across the Arkansas State University System.
By integrating academic learning with real-world application, the student-led SOC supports A-State’s broader mission to develop workforce-ready graduates equipped with the skills needed to meet evolving industry demands.
Applicants interested in the Red Wolf Security Operations Center can learn more and apply here.
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