Virginia State University has been awarded $1.03 million in federal funding to create a Center for Generative AI and Industrial Cybersecurity. Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan presented the funding during a campus visit on May 5, emphasizing the need for proper governance frameworks to ensure AI serves human interests rather than operating beyond human control.
The center addresses growing concerns about AI technology, including the spread of misinformation, copyright issues, algorithmic bias, and workforce disruption. Dr. Dawit Haile, Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, described the initiative as positioning VSU at the intersection of two rapidly evolving fields. The investment will fund infrastructure necessary to support both educational programs and research activities.
Technically, the center will provide students and faculty with access to advanced AI development tools and high-performance computing systems capable of handling complex computational tasks. The research infrastructure combines edge computing for rapid local data processing with centralized systems for intensive workloads. This hybrid approach enables researchers to build, test, and deploy AI models while studying their applications in industrial cybersecurity contexts.
The center's research agenda focuses on protecting critical infrastructure systems used in manufacturing and other industrial sectors. Researchers will develop AI-based methods for detecting anomalous activity and preventing cyberattacks before they compromise essential systems. This work directly addresses the security challenges facing industrial control systems and operational technology environments.
VSU's new center represents a workforce development initiative designed to prepare graduates for careers in AI and cybersecurity. The facility will serve as a collaboration hub connecting academic research with real-world applications, ensuring students gain practical skills needed in technology-driven industries. The center positions the university as a contributor to both AI innovation and the development of ethical frameworks governing its use.
Source: https://www.vsu.edu/news/2026/vsu-awarded-1-03-million-to-establish-center-for-ai-and-cybersecurity.php