Indiana State University will celebrate the official naming of the Robert E. Casey Cybercriminology and Intelligence Analysis Laboratory on Thursday, October 24, 2024. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to advancing student education and career readiness in cybersecurity and intelligence analysis.
The celebration will take place in the basement hallway of Holmstedt Hall. It will start with a reception at 4:00 p.m. and conclude with formal remarks at 4:45 p.m. The event will honor Robert E. Casey, an accomplished alumnus and Chair of Indiana State’s Board of Trustees, whose visionary leadership and generous contributions have been instrumental in ensuring Indiana State’s reputation in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity experts. Casey served as a Houston (TX) Police Officer, FBI Special Agent, and Chief Security Officer at Eli Lilly and Company.
President Mike Godard emphasized the significance of the new lab: "The Robert E. Casey Cybercriminology and Intelligence Analysis Laboratory stands as a testament to Indiana State University's commitment to providing students with hands-on experience in the ever-evolving fields of cybersecurity and intelligence. This cutting-edge facility equips our students with the tools, tradecraft, and skills necessary for success in today's complex digital and intelligence landscapes. Trustee Casey's leadership and unwavering support have been instrumental in making this vision a reality."
Reflecting on the lab's importance, Robert Casey added, "Supporting Indiana State University in creating this laboratory is deeply meaningful to me. It represents an investment in both technology and student potential, preparing future leaders for some of the most critical public and private sector careers of the 21st century. Indiana State’s mission of empowering students to thrive aligns with my vision for a future where education and innovation shape our world. It’s an honor to play a part in this transformative endeavor."
The Robert E. Casey Cybercriminology and Intelligence Analysis Laboratory will serve as a hub for students to gain real-world experience. It will integrate cutting-edge technology and research opportunities to prepare students to tackle pressing challenges in the digital landscape. The lab will be a significant step forward in positioning Indiana State as a cyber security and intelligence education leader by fostering innovation and career readiness.
Dr. Melinda Roberts, Dean of Indiana State University College of Arts and Sciences, echoed the importance of this facility to the university and its students, sharing, "Trustee Casey has always been an engaged alumnus, frequently returning to our campus to mentor students, offer career guidance, and facilitate educational opportunities. His dedication to the next generation of leaders in the criminal justice, intelligence, and security professions is remarkable, and we are deeply honored to have his name associated with the School of Criminology and Security Studies, the College of Arts and Sciences, and Indiana State University.”
In addition to remarks from President Godard, Trustee Casey will speak at the event, reflecting on the laboratory's creation and the ongoing importance of investing in cutting-edge education to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. Other speakers include Dr. Melinda Roberts, Andrea Angel, Dr. DeVere Woods, and Sophia Brown, the first recipient of the Securing Our Future Scholarship, an initiative supported by Trustee Casey that reflects his long-standing commitment to student achievement.
The Robert E. Casey Cybercriminology and Intelligence Analysis Laboratory exemplifies Indiana State University’s mission of providing experiential learning opportunities and preparing students to meet tomorrow’s workforce needs.