USCA breaks ground on new Cyber Integration Center

The University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) has officially taken a significant step toward becoming South Carolina’s newest hub for cybersecurity innovation. On Tuesday, May 27, USCA hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the South Carolina National Guard Cyber Integration Center (CIC), marking a milestone in the region’s commitment to cyber defense and workforce development.

The ceremony, held in the Student Activities Center, featured distinguished guests from Fort Eisenhower, the South Carolina National Guard (SCNG), and state leadership.

The new facility will be built on an 18-acre site just behind the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative. Designed to strengthen the state’s cybersecurity infrastructure, the CIC is expected to attract further government and private industry investment. The center will be a collaborative ecosystem, bringing together cyber professionals from academia, government, and the private sector. It will include classrooms, training areas, and operational and administrative spaces.

In addition to the CIC, construction is underway on the adjacent Readiness Center, which will house SCNG units and provide USCA students with valuable real-world experience in national defense and cybersecurity operations.

“The SCNG CIC, a 26,000-square-foot facility, will enhance our region’s cutting-edge infrastructure,” said Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, chancellor of USCA. “It represents part of over $145 million invested in cybersecurity in the area and stands as the largest single-location investment by the SCNG since World War II.”

The partnership between USCA and the SCNG is expected to drive the region's economic growth and workforce development. As part of its educational mission, the CIC will offer more than 400 cybersecurity students hands-on, real-world training opportunities, connecting them with experienced professionals in the field.

The Honorable Pamela Evette, Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, echoed Heimmermann’s remarks and praised the collaboration between USCA and the SCNG. She noted that the center will not only bring more research to the region but also inspire younger generations to pursue careers in cybersecurity.

“When I speak with young people in internship and apprenticeship programs across the state, they often ask, ‘Why am I needed?’ or ‘Why does this matter?’” she said. “That’s the message we need to share: careers in cybersecurity and AI are vital, and we truly need their talent in these fields.”

During the program, Heimmermann emphasized USCA’s long-standing dedication to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and cybersecurity education across all age groups. Initiatives such as the Cyber and Coding Patriots and programs through the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center reach more than 75,000 K–12 students annually. At the university level, USCA offers industry-recognized cybersecurity, engineering, and data science programs, equipping graduates for in-demand careers.

For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.