Trawick named interim director of MSU Center for Cyber Innovation

Contact: James Carskadon

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State cybersecurity leader and educator George Trawick has been named interim director of the university’s Center for Cyber Innovation.

A clinical professor of practice in cybersecurity and cyber programs coordinator in MSU’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Trawick will lead the center’s efforts supporting cybersecurity research, technology development and national security partnerships.

The CCI develops advanced cybersecurity solutions for defense, homeland security and intelligence community partners. It works with government agencies and industry leaders to address emerging cyber threats and strengthen the nation’s cyber capabilities.

“As MSU continues to strengthen its position as a national leader in cybersecurity education and research, the Center for Cyber Innovation plays a vital role in advancing technologies and solutions that support our nation’s security,” said Scott Willard, interim vice president for research and economic development. “Dr. Trawick brings exceptional operational, technical and academic experience to this leadership role. His commitment to preparing a strong cyber workforce and solving complex challenges will ensure the center continues building on its strong foundation while supporting the university’s broader cybersecurity mission.”

Trawick joined MSU in 2020 after a distinguished career in military service and higher education. In his current role, he helps prepare students for careers in one of the nation’s most critical fields.

Before joining MSU, he served at the National Defense University, where he chaired the Cyber Security Department in the College of Information and Cyberspace. Trawick retired from the U.S. Army in 2015 following 30 years of service that included assignments as an infantry platoon leader, field artillery battery commander with the 101st Airborne Division and numerous cybersecurity leadership positions.

His cyber assignments included serving as automation officer for the 3rd Infantry Division, knowledge manager in the Office of the Chief Information Officer for Joint Forces Command and chief information security officer for the Army Human Resource Command.

While on active duty, Trawick earned a master’s degree in computer engineering from Columbus State University in Georgia and doctorate in computer science and information assurance from Auburn University.

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve as interim director of the Center for Cyber Innovation and build on its mission of service, research and innovation,” Trawick said. “CCI has developed a national reputation for solving complex cybersecurity challenges, and I look forward to working with our partners to expand our research portfolio, strengthen the cyber workforce and deliver solutions that support our nation’s security.”

A recognized cybersecurity educator and advocate, Trawick’s areas of expertise include information assurance, risk management, access control, privacy, cryptography and cyber law. He is particularly passionate about educating future cyber professionals and helping strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity workforce.

MSU continues to earn national recognition for cybersecurity education and research. The university has maintained designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the National Security Agency since 2001 and is among a select group of universities nationwide to hold all three NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations in Cyber Defense, Cyber Research and Cyber Operations.

The university’s National Science Foundation CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program ranks among the nation’s longest-running initiatives preparing cybersecurity professionals for federal service. MSU also leads the Mississippi Cyber Initiative, a statewide effort based on the Gulf Coast that connects academia, government, defense and industry to address the state’s growing cyber threats.

For more information about the Center for Cyber Innovation, visit www.cci.msstate.edu.

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