Gov. Hobbs unveils Tucson cybersecurity center at PCC event | Arizona News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is set to announce a new partnership between Pima Community College (PCC) and the Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDOHS) on Oct. 23. This initiative aims to bolster the state’s cybersecurity infrastructure and offer hands-on learning for students.

The event will introduce Gov. Hobbs’ Cybersecurity Talent Ready AZ Initiative and the opening of the Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC), Arizona’s first community college-based center for real-time cyber threat monitoring and workforce training.

“This partnership with the Arizona Department of Homeland Security reinforces our shared commitment to preparing students for the high-demand cybersecurity workforce,” said Dr. Jeffrey P. Nasse, Chancellor of Pima Community College.

The RSOC, located at PCC’s Center of Excellence in Information Technology and Cybersecurity, is a collaboration between state government and higher education. It will provide students from PCC and the University of Arizona the chance to work with state cybersecurity professionals.

“RSOC has been the single most formative experience in my career so far,” said PCC student Eduardo Varela.

Since 2020, Pima has nearly doubled its IT and cybersecurity program enrollment and is recognized by the U.S. National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.

Gov. Hobbs will be joined by Dr. Kimberly O’Connor, Director of AZDOHS; Ryan Murray, Deputy Director and State Chief Information Security Officer; Tucson Mayor Regina Romero; and PCC leaders.