Governor Hobbs Announces New Cybersecurity Partnership between PCC and Arizona Department of Homeland Security
TUCSON, AZ – Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs today announced a groundbreaking partnership between the Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDOHS) and Pima Community College (PCC) that will strengthen the state’s cybersecurity infrastructure and expand hands-on learning opportunities for students.
The partnership, announced this morning at PCC’s East Campus, marks the launch of the Cybersecurity Talent Ready AZ Initiative and the opening of the Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC), Arizona’s first community college–based center dedicated to real-time cyber threat monitoring and workforce training.
“The Regional Security Operation Center [at PCC] cultivates talent and bolsters our cyber defense. Students will gain hands-on experience in threat detection, incident response, and real-time monitoring of systems,” said Governor Katie Hobbs.
Located at PCC’s Center of Excellence in Information Technology and Cybersecurity, the RSOC represents an innovative collaboration between state government and higher education to build the next generation of cybersecurity professionals while protecting Arizona’s digital systems.
“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. “We are honored to welcome Governor Hobbs to our campus and to help advance her vision for a stronger, safer, and more connected Arizona.”
Through the new collaboration, students from Pima Community College and the University of Arizona will have the opportunity to work alongside state cybersecurity professionals, gaining real-world experience monitoring and responding to cyber threats through the RSOC.
"RSOC has been the single most formative experience in my career so far,” said PCC Student Eduardo Varela. “I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in my community. I have received the education and training, and it’s rewarding to give back. This is such a unique opportunity.”
Since opening its Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in 2020, Pima has nearly doubled enrollment in its IT and cybersecurity programs and has been recognized by the U.S. National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
Contact:
Justin Kree
Director Media Relations
520-710-7170 (cell)
jkree@pima.edu