STEPHENVILLE, Texas — A dedicated team of Tarleton State University students work daily to protect the institution from online threats. Their efforts within the student-led Security Operations Center (SOC) are highlighted during October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
The SOC protects a wide range of sensitive data from an ever-growing list of cyber risks.
The team that began with just one student worker in 2021 now has seven: Katie Belding, Kerrigan Brown, Ashlynn Cochran, Jonah Whites, Ian Gardner, Christian Fijer and Aiden Galloway. They take on responsibilities comparable to full-time employees and are widely recognized for their professionalism and technical expertise.
Russel Thompson, Tarleton State’s Manager of Cybersecurity Operations, leads the student team. The SOC’s full-time cybersecurity team includes Cory Shaw, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO); Makaila Judkins, Security Analyst I; Jacob Hutson, Security Analyst II; and Jackie George, Policy Analyst III.
“The SOC provides an essential service to the university,” Thompson said. “With the increasing number of threat actors targeting our institution, our student cybersecurity analysts are essential in safeguarding user data while maintaining the integrity and reputation of Tarleton State University.”
Shaw added: “We work to ensure the security of educational records, grades and personally identifiable information for both students and employees. We also protect data within our on-campus medical and counseling services and ensure that faculty research and intellectual property remain secure.”
Whites, a senior majoring in software engineering, serves as a student security analyst within the SOC. His responsibilities include monitoring campus accounts, performing asset remediation and collaborating with clients to protect the university’s systems.
“When I joined the SOC, my goal was to build upon the technical foundation I developed at the campus service desk and gain real-world experience in cybersecurity,” Whites said. “Over the past year and a half, I’ve deepened my understanding of security principles and risk management through hands-on applications.
“This role has allowed me to develop critical skills in identifying threats, analyzing vulnerabilities and leading remediation efforts. I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate directly with full-time staff and contribute to maintaining the overall security posture of Tarleton State’s IT environment.”
According to Shaw, SOC student analysts receive not only experiential learning opportunities but also professional development such as resume reviews and mock interviews.
“Every student who has stayed in IT or cybersecurity here has gone on to find employment,” Shaw said. “As more students complete the SOC program and enter the workforce, it strengthens our professional network for future job placements and references.”
“Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries,” Thompson said. “It needs skilled professionals to defend against the ever-growing landscape of threat actors. We collaborate with major employers and government agencies to place our students after graduation, including the United States military, Texas Department of Information Resources, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and through alumni connections at the National Security Agency, the city of Fort Worth and Tarrant County.”
Shaw emphasized the importance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month as an opportunity to reinforce safe online practices.
“It’s an important reminder. We take every opportunity to share cybersecurity tips during tax season, the holidays and beyond to help people keep their personal information secure.”
The campaign, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, is designed to improve public awareness of digital risks and promote stronger security practices.
The month-long campaign encourages using the “Core 4” habits: strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, updating software and reporting scams to create a safer online environment for individuals and critical infrastructure.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 21,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For over 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.