TekStream, a leading provider of cybersecurity and IT solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Louisiana Tech University (LA Tech) to enhance the university’s cybersecurity capabilities and accelerate workforce readiness. The collaboration will establish a student-operated Security Operations Center (SOC), powered by Splunk’s enterprise security technologies, giving students real-world cybersecurity experience while strengthening LA Tech’s digital defense posture.
According to Rob Jansen, CEO of TekStream, “Our partnership with Louisiana Tech builds on TekStream’s growing number of initiatives with universities nationwide. Together, we’re creating practical pathways that prepare students to enter the cybersecurity industry with confidence and hands-on expertise.”
Empowering Students Through Real-World Cybersecurity Experience
Under the guidance of LA Tech’s Chief Information Officer, Dr. Thomas Hoover, and the College of Engineering and Sciences, the university sought to implement a solution that would not only improve institutional cybersecurity but also deliver direct career benefits for students. Partnering with TekStream allowed LA Tech to fast-track the launch of its SOC without the lengthy development time typically required to build such programs from scratch.
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Leveraging TekStream’s Workforce Academy framework, the SOC immerses students in a production-grade cybersecurity environment, equipping them with experience in threat detection, log analysis, incident response, and risk assessment. Tasks are aligned with NIST/NICE cybersecurity frameworks, ensuring both educational and operational rigor. Students progress through varying levels of alert complexity as their skills advance, allowing them to gain proficiency while supporting the university’s security operations efficiently.
Addressing the Cyber Talent Shortage
Jansen emphasized the program’s industry impact, stating, “The cybersecurity sector faces a significant talent gap. Programs like this are essential for producing skilled professionals ready to meet that demand. Our collaboration with LA Tech is another step toward solving this workforce challenge while enhancing campus security.”
The TekStream-Splunk-powered SOC delivers a “neighborhood watch” approach to cybersecurity, enabling the university to monitor and respond to threats within budgetary limits. Beyond technical protection, the initiative also enhances LA Tech’s appeal to prospective students pursuing cybersecurity degrees. Graduates will earn academic credit reflecting the depth and complexity of their SOC training—equivalent to more than two years of practical cybersecurity experience.
The program’s first cohort of approximately 20 students will begin operations this fall semester, gaining hands-on skills while contributing to the university’s defense posture. Within six months, participants are expected to achieve active employment status through SOC operations and internships.
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A Competitive Edge for Future Cyber Professionals
Dr. Hoover highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting, “The job market for cybersecurity graduates is extremely competitive, even with rising demand. This partnership gives our students a tangible advantage by combining classroom learning with live operational experience. At the same time, we’re fortifying LA Tech’s cyber defenses through a sustainable, cost-effective model.”
Expanding on Proven Success
LA Tech’s student-run SOC builds on successful deployments at institutions such as Louisiana State University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where TekStream has implemented similar co-managed SOC environments. These programs have proven to be an effective, scalable way for universities to strengthen their security posture while providing students with a competitive, workforce-ready skill set.
Through this partnership, Louisiana Tech, TekStream, and Splunk are shaping a new model for cybersecurity education—one that merges academic excellence with operational expertise, ensuring the next generation of cyber defenders is ready for the challenges ahead.
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