Big news for the Red Wolves and the future of cybersecurity.

Kalmer Solutions is proud to partner with Arkansas State University to help establish the Red Wolf Security Operations Center, a student-led cybersecurity center designed to give students hands-on experience while strengthening the university’s digital infrastructure.

According to Arkansas State University’s announcement, the Red Wolf Security Operations Center is set to launch in fall 2026 and will be housed within the university’s Information Technology Services division.  

Building Real-World Cybersecurity Experience

The Red Wolf Security Operations Center will serve as a real-world training environment where students can monitor cybersecurity threats, identify vulnerabilities, and support security operations in a controlled setting.

The program is formalized through a three-year agreement between Arkansas State University and Kalmer Solutions to collaboratively develop, fund, and sustain the center.

Initially, the center will include six students each semester: three undergraduate students and three graduate assistants. These students will work in structured, shift-based roles during standard university business hours while gaining experience in threat monitoring, incident response, and cybersecurity operations.  

Our Role as Founding Strategic Industry Partner

As the founding strategic industry partner, Kalmer Solutions will support the program through mentorship, training, collaboration, and ongoing investment. This commitment includes support for a full-time Security Operations Center coordinator position and graduate assistant stipends.

“This partnership is about investing in students early and giving them real-world experience.” Nathan LaRue, Chief Executive Officer, Kalmer Solutions

That focus matters. Cybersecurity is not something students fully learn from a textbook alone. It takes practical experience, strong mentorship, and the chance to work through real-world scenarios in a structured environment.

Through this partnership, we are honored to help students build the skills, experience, and professional connections needed to support employers across our region and beyond.  

Supporting the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals

In addition to hands-on experience, students involved in the Red Wolf Security Operations Center will have opportunities for professional development, workshops, and applied research initiatives, including emerging areas such as automation and artificial intelligence in cybersecurity.

The program is also designed to grow over time, with opportunities to expand student participation, extend operational coverage, and potentially scale across the Arkansas State University System.

We are proud to be part of an initiative that connects academic learning with real-world application and supports Arkansas State University’s mission to prepare workforce-ready graduates for evolving industry demands.  

Learn More

Read the full announcement from Arkansas State University here: A-State Partners with Kalmer Solutions; Launches Student-Led Cybersecurity Center.

Students interested in the Red Wolf Security Operations Center can learn more and apply at RedWolv.es/SOC.

Technology may be our game, but team spirit runs in our blood.

Go Red Wolves.