Dakota State University: From Prison Threat to Cyber Security Powerhouse
Located in Madison, South Dakota, Dakota State University (DSU) has become a symbol of pride for the city. However, it wasn’t always this way. Forty years ago, the institution was on the brink of closure and there were even discussions about turning it into a prison. Thankfully, then-Governor Bill Janklow had other ideas. With his support, DSU was transformed into South Dakota’s premier tech school and has since gained a national reputation for its excellence in cyber securityand cyber operations.
The oldest building on campus, Beadle Hall, was constructed in 1886, before South Dakota even became a state. At that time, the term “computer” referred to a person skilled in working with numbers. Fast forward to today, and computers are at the heart of DSU’s campus, with virtually every aspect of the institution focused on computer science and technology.
José-Marie Griffiths: The Transformative Leader Behind DSU’s Success
José-Marie Griffiths, the president of DSU, is a highly knowledgeable and respected voice in the cyber world. Taking on the role of president in 2015, she saw DSU as the perfect fit for her background and experience. Griffiths states, “I knew that Dakota State was probably my last job and I wanted to be in a place where I could contribute.” And contribute she has.
Under Griffiths’ leadership, DSU has been able to compete against much larger schools. She has brought in partnerships and relationships that have elevated the university’s profile and allowed it to compete on a national level. Thanks to her efforts, DSU is now one of only 10 universities in the country designated by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security for excellence in Cyber Operations, Cyber Defense, and Cyber Research.
DSU: A Small School Making a Big Impact in Cyber Security
One of the factors that attracted Griffiths to DSU was its size. Smaller institutions offer a special quality, where students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity to really get to know each other. DSU‘s mission of excelling in cyber security and cyber operations has driven its growth, and Griffiths plans for a modest yet purposeful expansion.
Griffiths brought a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) to DSU when she arrived almost a decade ago. This forward-thinking approach has been praised by Senator Mike Rounds, who recognizes the importance of incorporating AI in cyber operations. However, Griffiths is not stopping there. She is determined for DSU to be prepared for the next big thing in technology: quantum computing.
Preparing for the Future: DSU’s Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing
Quantum computing has recently gained attention due to its incredible processing power. While it can take today’s best supercomputer a million years to solve certain problems, a quantum computer can crack them in a matter of seconds. Griffiths saw the potential impact of quantum computing and has been advocating for DSU’s involvement in this field.
Griffiths firmly believes that in the future, quantum computing will play a significant role in cyber security. Therefore, DSU is preparing its students and faculty to be at the forefront of this technology. While not everyone will work directly with quantum machines, certain individuals will need to, and DSU wants to ensure that its graduates are ready for these job opportunities.
Briefing South Dakota Lawmakers: DSU’s Vision for the Future of Cyber Security
Griffiths has big plans for DSU and wants to share them with South Dakota lawmakers. In the upcoming legislative session, DSU aims to brief lawmakers on the potential impacts of quantum computing and the importance of preparing for the future of cyber security.
By being proactive and forward-thinking, DSU aims to maintain its position as a leader in cyber security and cyber operations. With Griffiths at the helm, the university is poised to continue making significant contributions to the field and help shape the future of technology.
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