Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Media Contact:
Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | editor@okstate.edu
In an era of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, Oklahoma State University Institute
of Technology’s cybersecurity program through OSU Polytech is empowering students
to meet those threats with cyber defense education.
Consistently ranked among the best cybersecurity programs nationwide, OSU Polytech
equips students with expertise, hands-on training and real-world experience to stay
ahead in this rapidly evolving field.
Students don’t just learn about cybersecurity — they experience it in live, simulated
environments that mimic real-world cyber threats. From penetration testing and ethical
hacking to malware analysis and cyber incident response, graduates enter the workforce
ready to take on the most complex security challenges businesses and government agencies
face today.
OSU Polytech faculty and students are also leading innovative industry partnerships,
groundbreaking research and cutting-edge capstone projects.
Bringing Cybersecurity Training to Industry
As cyber threats evolve, OSU Polytech is responding by bringing cybersecurity training
directly into the workforce.
Cybersecurity lead instructor Brett Weber and interim Information Technologies Director
Howard Licht are partnering with Bart Collins, OSU Polytech’s director for partnerships
and programs, to provide professional development training for QuikTrip employees.
“This initiative strengthens corporate cybersecurity skills while allowing participants
to earn a micro-credential, demonstrating OSU Polytech’s ability to train both for
industry and in industry,” Licht said.
Meanwhile, Licht is collaborating with Brandy Russell of the Muskogee (Creek) Nation’s
Technology and Analytics Office to develop cybersecurity training for network-connected
health care devices. With cyber threats increasingly targeting health care, OSU Polytech
is proactively protecting medical technology.
Faculty are also pioneering artificial intelligence education. Information Technologies
instructor Daniel Schmidt is working with Russell on an AI-focused micro-credential,
while Weber and Licht are developing two AI technical elective courses for the associate
degree program.
Discussions are also underway for a future AI-focused bachelor’s degree option, keeping
OSU Polytech ahead of industry needs.
Engineering and Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics programs join forces on a cutting-edge
capstone project, integrating AI, robotics and security solutions.
Industry-Driven Innovation in Action
One of OSU Polytech’s most ambitious student projects is a direct response to industry
demand for stronger collaboration across disciplines.
In fall 2024, industry partners specifically requested an interdisciplinary approach,
bringing together Engineering Technologies and Information Technologies students to
develop real-world solutions. Recognizing this need, OSU Polytech responded swiftly,
assembling faculty and students to tackle this challenge.
The result is the Pistol Pete AI Capstone Project. This joint effort blends artificial
intelligence, robotics, engineering and cybersecurity to create a smart, interactive
campus guide — a project that reflects the cross-disciplinary approach that the industry
is increasingly adopting to achieve its goals.
Set to be installed in the Engineering and Information Technologies Building lobby
on the Okmulgee campus, the AI-powered Pistol Pete will feature voice recognition
and response, allowing visitors to ask for directions or campus information in real
time. With facial recognition and motion tracking, the robotic Pete will provide a
modern, interactive experience that showcases AI-driven technology.
This project is more than just a technical achievement — it represents OSU Polytech’s
commitment to aligning education with industry needs. By fostering collaboration between
IT, engineering and cybersecurity, students graduate with technical expertise and
critical problem-solving skills — making them highly valuable in industries where
cross-functional collaboration is key.
National Recognition, Real-World Results
Year after year, OSU Polytech’s cybersecurity program earns national rankings and
recognition, cementing its reputation as Oklahoma’s leader in cyber security education.
Employers across industries actively recruit OSU graduates, knowing they bring not
just a degree, but real-world experience and technical expertise.
Beyond the classroom, students compete in national cybersecurity competitions, where
OSU Polytech consistently performs at a high level. These events test their ability
to defend networks, analyze cyber threats and respond to real-time security breaches
— all essential skills for today’s workforce.
This commitment to hands-on training, real-world applications and industry-driven
education is why OSU Polytech is not only Oklahoma’s top choice for cybersecurity
education but also a program with a national reputation for excellence.
“Cybersecurity and technology are evolving at a rapid pace, and OSUIT is not just
keeping up — we’re leading the way,” said Dr. Heather Ortiz, interim dean of OSUIT
School of Creative and Information Technologies. “By listening to industry, fostering
interdisciplinary collaboration and providing hands-on, real-world experience, we
ensure our graduates don’t just enter the workforce — they shape its future.”
Photos by: Andrew Nichols
Story by: Lindsay Lynch | STATE Magazine
