Texas Tech University is advancing its role in national security through a series of research grants, a formal partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the rebranding of a major research facility to align more directly with national defense priorities.
In August, the Texas Tech University System signed a cooperative research and development agreement with the FBI to strengthen national security through joint research, workforce development and information sharing. The agreement outlines collaboration with multiple campuses in the system, including Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Angelo State University. Among the areas of focus are cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, energy resilience and emergency preparedness. University officials say the agreement will also support student recruitment into federal service and provide training opportunities across participating institutions.
As part of the partnership, Angelo State University’s Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC) is expected to play a key role. The RSOC supports threat monitoring, cybersecurity training and public-sector collaboration, serving as a regional asset for cybersecurity preparedness and workforce development.
The university system followed the FBI agreement in September by renaming its Reese Technology Center to the Reese National Security Complex, signaling an institutional commitment to supporting federal partnerships and classified research. According to the university, the complex is designed to facilitate national defense-related research and development and will continue to support multidisciplinary work across cybersecurity, materials science, communications and engineering.
The institutional changes are supported by a series of federally funded research programs awarded to Texas Tech faculty. In early 2025, researchers at the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering received more than $6 million from the Army Research Laboratory to lead a workforce development initiative focused on advanced materials and cognitive radar technology. Led by Stephen Bayne, vice chancellor for innovation and collaboration, the program brings together faculty in mechanical engineering, chemistry, nanotechnology and pulsed power, and aims to strengthen the defense research talent pipeline.
Additional grants include a $6.5 million pilot program to train students in advanced materials, and a $6 million Department of Defense award to acquire equipment for advanced semiconductor power device research. The projects are coordinated through the university’s Critical Infrastructure Security Institute, which plays a central role in managing federally aligned research efforts and supporting secure research environments.
University leaders say the coordinated effort across grants, partnerships and facilities is designed to position Texas Tech as a national leader in research supporting homeland security and defense. By aligning institutional resources with federal priorities, the university is creating new opportunities for students, expanding its research footprint and establishing infrastructure to support secure collaboration with government agencies.
Texas Tech University Expands Security Role With FBI Partnership
What to Know:
- Texas Tech University has formalized a partnership with the FBI and rebranded its Reese research facility to expand its role in national security research and workforce development.
- The university system has secured multiple multimillion-dollar grants from the Department of Defense and Army Research Laboratory to support advanced materials, radar and semiconductor research.
- Angelo State University’s Regional Security Operations Center is integrated into the FBI partnership and will contribute to provide cybersecurity training, monitoring and collaboration with public-sector and military entities.
