Multimillion-dollar cybersecurity institute proposed for RIC, with Langevin at the helm

Rhode Island College, struggling against an enrollment decline and potential cutbacks, may see the creation of a new cybersecurity institute with help from Gov. Dan McKee. And retired U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin may see a new job, also with the governor’s help.

On Friday, McKee announced that he would file a budget amendment with the General Assembly to propose the creation of a $4-million Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies that Langevin would lead.

The initial funding, which would be given over three years, includes $2 million from state fiscal recovery funds and $2 million from RIC’s existing resources.

RIC Interim President Jack Warner, a 20-year friend of Langevin, called the program “the right idea in the right place at the right time,” reflecting on some 750,000 in cybersecurity job openings around the country that offer, on average, high pay.

RIC indicated its interest in cybersecurity in 2020 when it launched an academic minor in the field.

Langevin turned down a similar 'generous offer' at another university

McKee said the proposal was not about creating a job for the former congressman, and that it was about Langevin's expertise. Langevin, a RIC alumnus, spent 11 terms in Congress, serving on the House Armed Services Committee and chairing the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee.

"I was the one pursuing the congressman very quickly, and we're so proud to have him on board," McKee said.

Langevin said he turned down a "generous offer" at another cybersecurity institute at a different Rhode Island university, but called the governor before making his decision to ask for his thoughts.

"The governor said, 'Look, whatever you decide, I'm with you, but I'm all in on Rhode Island College, and if you're going to go there, we'd love to have you there,'" Langevin recalled.

Langevin has already taken on yearlong roles as visiting political-science scholar at the University of Rhode Island and senior fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute of International and Public Affairs.

What would the cybersecurity institute do?

The institute would welcome its first cohort in the fall, and host what is envisioned as an annual symposium in spring 2024 to outline its 10-year vision.

A strategic plan would also be developed, possibly including a host of initiatives such as targeted training for industries from health care to defense, a speakers series with national leaders, a professional cybersecurity fellowship, and more.

Governor also to push for Hope Scholarship in budget

McKee will also file a budget amendment to propose the Hope Scholarship, a fund to help in-state juniors and seniors at RIC starting in the fall.

The governor is asking for $9.4 million in State Fiscal Recovery funds and $1 million in RIC institutional financial aid.

The pilot program would conclude with the cohort graduating in May 2026.

Eligible students would need to meet minimum GPA requirements and have accumulated enough credits in their first two years of college to be on track to graduation.

"The Hope Scholarship is a win for both students and families and the state of Rhode Island as a whole," McKee said in a statement. "We know that students who graduate with four-year degrees will have higher earning potential and also help fill important professional positions within our economy. The Hope Scholarship will be a critical tool used to ensure affordability isn’t the reason our students don’t finish their four year degrees."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Rhode Island College could get new cybersecurity institute