MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — December 23, 2025 – West Virginia University (WVU) has been selected as the newest network partner in the Department of War’s Virtual Institutes for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) Research and Employ (VICEROY) initiative, an elite coalition of colleges and universities advancing the nation’s cyber and electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) workforce.
Building the Next Generation of Mission-Ready Cyber and EMS Professionals
VICEROY is a mission-focused leadership development pathway that equips scholars with the foundational skills, experiential learning, and operational exposure needed to support U.S. cyber and EMS objectives on day one. WVU’s selection reflects the university’s commitment to cybersecurity, STEM education, and applied research that aligns with national security priorities.
This partnership, executed by the Griffiss Institute on behalf of the Department of War, strengthens the nation’s ability to develop mission-ready professionals who can contribute immediately to critical warfighting operations.
William J. Walker, senior advisor for national security and cyberspace programs at West Virginia University, said, “As West Virginia’s flagship, land-grant, R1 institution, WVU has always stood ready to answer our nation’s call, especially in the cyber domain. Over the past four years, WVU has worked directly with DoW partners to advance the cyber workforce, strengthen critical infrastructure research, and expand hands-on training for students. Participating in VICEROY elevates this work even further, creating immersive, experiential pathways that expose students to the full DoW cyber-spectrum mission that prepares them for meaningful careers dedicated to safeguarding our state and nation.”
As a VICEROY network partner, WVU will offer students hands-on training through:
- Applied research projects tied directly to DoW operational needs
- Mission-focused cyber and EMS exercises
- Mentorship from federal, academic, and military experts
- Experiential learning environments and internships that mirror real-world defense challenges
These opportunities empower scholars to develop both technical capability and operational judgment; two attributes critical to modern national defense.
WVU Strengthens the VICEROY Network
Adding WVU to the VICEROY Network expands the Department of War’s reach into a region with deep academic strength, a strong tradition of public service, and a growing cybersecurity and STEM ecosystem.
A Strong Research Footprint
WVU’s established cybersecurity, engineering, and digital forensics programs provide a strong foundation for DoW-aligned applied research in cyber operations, spectrum management, and secure systems. Students who attend this program often gravitate toward public service and defense careers, making the university a natural fit for VICEROY’s national mission.
Immediate Value to the DoW Workforce Pipeline
Integrating WVU into the VICEROY network strengthens the pipeline of scholars who can step directly into Department of War roles, accelerating readiness, and supporting urgent national security workforce needs.
Supporting the Department of War and OUSW/R&E
Through VICEROY programming aligned with the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research & Engineering (OUSW/R&E), WVU scholars will engage in:
- Operational exercises reflecting real-world DoW missions
- Mission-aligned research challenges
- Exclusive hands-on VICEROY events, workshops, and competitions
- Mentorship and professional development with national cyber and EMS leaders
“WVU’s commitment to service, research excellence, and student opportunity makes them an exceptional addition to the VICEROY Network. This relationship not only strengthens our national cyber and EMS workforce; it opens doors for students across West Virginia to contribute meaningfully to national security. We are proud to welcome WVU as a VICEROY Network Partner and are excited for the impact their scholars will make,” said Chester “CJ” Maciag, national director of VICEROY and director of cyber-spectrum academic engagement.
WVU’s participation elevates opportunities for students across the state, offering new pathways to high-demand careers in cybersecurity and electromagnetic spectrum operations. It also strengthens the region’s connection to national defense initiatives, building long-term economic and workforce benefits for West Virginia.
More Universities Joining the VICEROY Network This Year
The growth of the VICEROY Network in 2025 reflects a national commitment to strengthening the cyber and electromagnetic spectrum talent pipeline. In addition to West Virginia University, the following institutions have joined the network this year:
- William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA
- Houston City College, Houston, TX
- Marshall University, Huntington, WV
These additions further reinforce the VICEROY Network’s mission to build a nationwide coalition of academic partners preparing the next generation of cyber-spectrum professionals.
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About VICEROY
VICEROY is a mission-focused cyber-spectrum leadership development pathway, accelerating talent through foundational skills, experiential learning, and operational application. VICEROYScholars.org
VICEROY answers the call for defense readiness by increasing the number of new and upskilled mission-capable professionals available to fill critical cyber-spectrum research and operations positions within the DoW and vital industries and contribute on day one.
About Griffiss Institute
Griffiss Institute is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Rome, NY, accelerating national security innovation through its three-pillar mission of Talent, Technology, and Venture Development. As the steward of the Innovare Advancement Center, an open, unclassified research and collaboration campus, Griffiss Institute fosters and drives partnerships across government, industry, and academia to advance dual-use technologies. Griffiss Institute is committed to strengthening national security through nontraditional STEM education, accelerated innovation, and the commercialization of emerging technologies, with a deep belief in American-made solutions, the reshoring of advanced manufacturing, and the development of a resilient U.S. science and engineering workforce.
Griffiss Institute Media Contact:
Travis Applebee | Marketing Manager
315-356-2688 | tapplebee@griffissinstitute.org
West Virgina University Media Contact:
Katie Farmer | Executive Director of Strategic Priorities
315-256-8509 | Katie.Farmer@mail.wvu.edu