Rounds Statement on DSU Announcement

MADISON – U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, issued the following statement following today's grand opening of the Beacom Institute of Technology at Dakota State University (DSU) and the announcement that a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) will be built on the campus, bringing additional cybersecurity opportunities to South Dakota:

"Today's announcement strengthens DSU's role as a leader in cybersecurity," said Rounds. "Today, 85 percent of DSU computing students leave South Dakota after completing their education. By building a new, state-of-the-art SCIF right here in Madison, our young people who earn degrees in cybersecurity or related fields will be able to work directly on national security and cyber issues without having to leave home. It is a testament to the incredible work being done by the faculty and students at DSU, the state of South Dakota for their continued support, and the generosity of Denny Sanford and Miles Beacom, whose belief in DSU's mission has led to today's investment in its future."

"As recent events have shown, the U.S. is not immune to cyber-attacks by hostile foreign actors. It is the newest, most sophisticated form of attack threatening our national security today with serious potential consequences. I am proud of DSU's role in protecting our nation against cyber threats and look forward to watching the campus continue to play a vital role in our national security efforts."