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Ouachita to welcome Cyber Challenge on Oct. 15

September 30, 2026 - Chase Hartsell

Ouachita Baptist University will host the Arkansas Aerospace & Defense Cyber Challenge from 12-4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15 in Walker Conference Center. Event registration is open to all, and guests can sign up by emailing [email protected].

In the Cyber Challenge, participants will partner with industry professionals in simulations reflecting real cybersecurity risks that Arkansas businesses and organizations are facing. The event will begin at noon with check-in, lunch and a welcome, followed by a few presentations and simulations. A virtual prelude to the challenge will be available for participants in early October.

“Cyber awareness remains critical to the Defense Industrial Base as threats continue to evolve, particularly with the rapid proliferation of AI,” said David Allen, senior advisor of the Arkansas Aerospace & Defense Alliance. “Events like the Cyber Challenge, together with partnerships with in-state educational institutions — especially Ouachita — remain invaluable to sustaining a strong and resilient aerospace and defense industry in Arkansas.”

Drew Dettmer, a sophomore computer science major from Hot Springs, Arkansas, is president of the Ouachita Cyber Club and leads a student team competing in the event.

“This event lets students learn by doing,” he said. “I am most excited for the tabletop exercise, where our team will practice making decisions during a simulated cyberattack and see how professionals respond to one.”

Scott Anderson, instructor of cybersecurity, believes Ouachita students can come away from the challenge with more than increased cybersecurity knowledge and experience.

“I think a lot of it has to do with relationships,” Anderson said. “I’m hoping that it’s not just cybersecurity or computer science students that sign up for this because there are engineers, businesspeople, marketing people needed in the aerospace and defense industry. If any student is interested in working in this kind of industry across the state of Arkansas or even in a neighboring state, they should sign up for this challenge.”

“There are a lot of eager and competent students at Ouachita, and I am glad that this event will give them an opportunity to showcase their skills to employers,” said Dezra Estrada Corona, a junior computer science major from Mexico City, Mexico, who is promoting and emceeing the challenge. “I also am glad that the cybersecurity department will get some visibility for the future.”

The Cyber Challenge is one of several ways that Ouachita’s program will contribute to Cybersecurity Awareness Month efforts in October.

“Security is not always a fun thing to talk about,” Anderson said. “But if we’re proactive, getting people to talk about it and pay attention to it, hopefully it’s going to help everybody. That’s what this month is all about.”

Ouachita’s cybersecurity and computer science students gain experience throughout the year via practical work and service opportunities. According to Anderson, this is by design.

“What organizations need is trust, and I think this campus has the opportunity to develop people that are trustworthy.”

For additional Cyber Challenge details, reach out to the Ouachita Cyber Club at [email protected]. To learn more about studying cybersecurity at Ouachita, visit obu.edu/cybersecurity or contact the Office of Admissions Counseling at [email protected] or 870-245-5110.