Arizona Cybersecurity Academy Helps Power Arizona’s First Community College-Based Regional Security Operations Center
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs (center) with cybersecurity students and others at the launch of the Cybersecurity Talent Ready AZ initiative and opening of the Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC), Arizona's first community college-based center dedicated to real-time cyber threat monitoring and workforce training.
Photo courtesy Pima Community College.
Arizona’s cybersecurity workforce took a major step forward this fall with the launch of the state’s first community college-based security operations center at Pima Community College (PCC)—an effort strengthened by the University of Arizona’s early coordination, continued partnership and expanded pathways for student experiential learning.
Announced by Governor Katie Hobbs as part of the statewide Cybersecurity Talent Ready AZ Initiative, the new Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC) is housed at Pima Community College’s Center of Excellence in Information Technology and Cybersecurity. The RSOC is designed to simultaneously bolster Arizona’s cyber defenses and provide students with hands-on experience responding to real-world threats.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs addresses attendees at the launch of the Cybersecurity Talent Ready AZ Initiative and opening of the Regional Security Operations Center at Pima Community College.
Photo courtesy Pima Community College.
U of A’s Role: Planning, Partnership and Pathways for Students
The University of Arizona—through the College of Information Science and the Arizona Cybersecurity Academy, directed by Professor of Practice Paul Wagner with Assistant Professor Robert Honomichl—played a foundational role in shaping the RSOC’s launch.
Wagner notes that U of A coordinated the initial planning meetings and worked closely with the Arizona Department of Homeland Security, Pima Community College and regional partners to develop the RSOC initiative.
This collaboration laid the groundwork for a shared regional model where University of Arizona cybersecurity students can now intern alongside PCC students. “This partnership allows U of A cybersecurity students to gain experience through paid cybersecurity internships as security analysts while supporting Arizona communities and government entities,” Wagner says.
These opportunities align with the College of Information Science’s commitment to experiential learning and community-centered cybersecurity education, expanding the pipeline of skilled professionals ready to protect the state’s digital infrastructure.
Photo courtesy Pima Community College.
A Collaborative Statewide Effort
At the public announcement on October 23, 2025, Governor Hobbs emphasized the initiative’s dual impact—developing local talent and strengthening cyber readiness across Arizona: “The Regional Security Operation Center cultivates talent and bolsters our cyber defense. Students will gain hands-on experience in threat detection, incident response and real-time monitoring of systems.”
The RSOC brings together:
- Arizona Department of Homeland Security cybersecurity professionals
- Pima Community College faculty and students
- University of Arizona students from College of Information Science and other programs
- Regional government and community clients who provide real data, real threats and real challenges
Clients such as the Town of Sahuarita and Pima County are already benefiting from the center’s work, while students gain resume-ready experience with industry tools, emerging threats and real-time incident response.
Interns describe the experience as transformative. One PCC student called the RSOC “the single most formative experience in my career so far.” Another intern shared with AZPM that the hands-on training is building not only confidence but also direct professional readiness.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs respond to questions at the launch of the Cybersecurity Talent Ready AZ Initiative.
Photo courtesy Pima Community College.
Growing a Skilled Arizona Cyber Workforce, Together
Arizona faces rising demand for cybersecurity professionals across government, education, healthcare and industry. The RSOC will serve as both a workforce accelerator and a regional security asset, making it possible for students to contribute meaningfully to the state’s cyber defense even before graduation.
For the University of Arizona, this partnership reinforces a central mission of the College of Information Science and its Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations and Master of Science in Cyber and Information Operations: to prepare students to lead in high-demand fields that protect people, data and communities.
With the RSOC now active, University of Arizona students will have new pathways into real-world cybersecurity roles, expanding the university’s footprint in statewide cybersecurity leadership while supporting Governor Hobbs’ vision for a stronger, safer and more connected Arizona.