Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) is excited to announce a transformative $1 million gift from Charles Stamp, a 1971 graduate of SEMO, to support the construction of its new Cyber Command Center.
The new, state-of-the-art Charles Stamp Cyber Command Center will enhance SEMO’s highly regarded cybersecurity program, which recently collaborated with IBM to provide students with immersive, real-world training experiences.
“I feel strongly about helping this program mature and helping it as it grows and expands. I’m excited about that,” said Stamp. “The opportunity to work with students and build upon a more significant learning experience for them is something I’m thrilled to be a part of and participate in.”
The Stamp Cyber Command Center features three types of cyber consoles, an immersive 27-foot display wall, an observation room, and dedicated servers. This facility will allow students to engage in realistic breach scenarios, test their responses to enterprise-level cyber incidents, and build stronger security measures.
Stamp says his own SEMO experience impacts his continued support. He was a 1971 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. He went on to earn a law degree from the University of Missouri. He began his career as an attorney in Sikeston before entering the agribusiness industry in 1981 as president of Meyer Agri-Products.
He joined Deere & Company in 1999 as president and chief executive officer of the company’s acquisition of InterAg Technologies. He also served as president of John Deere Special Technologies Group and president of the Agricultural Division of Global AgServices before becoming vice president of Public Affairs Worldwide at Deer & Company in 2002. He led a global organization, conducting governmental relations and public affairs worldwide on behalf of a company with 60,000 employees and operations in more than 100 countries. He retired in 2018.
“I am appreciative for Charlie’s generosity,” said SEMO President Dr. Carlos Vargas. “That generosity extends well beyond this remarkable gift. He has a history of supporting SEMO, especially our students. He knows first-hand the importance of real-world learning experiences for students. Charlie has given financial support repeatedly to increase those opportunities for our students and he has given of his time continuously to mentor them. I am sincerely grateful for what he has done and continues to do for SEMO.”
This initiative was further supported by State of Missouri funding efforts, including House Bill 297, signed into law by Governor Mike Parson in July 2021. The legislation officially designates SEMO as an institution of higher education with a statewide mission in computer science and cybersecurity, making it the only institution in Missouri with this designation.
“The investment in SEMO's cybersecurity infrastructure aligns with the state’s commitment to strengthening workforce development in high-demand fields,” said Dr. Vargas. “The Stamp Cyber Command Center will position our students to make a significant impact in this high-demand field.”
“If the curriculum applies to what students are interested in and expands their educational horizons, then that generally fits on my to-do list,” said Stamp. “It is critically important young people have opportunities like this to give them a head start on their career.”
The Charles Stamp Cyber Command Center is located in Dempster Hall. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held October 25 to officially celebrate its completion and naming in honor of Stamp.