The University of Montana and Blackfoot Communications have joined forces to launch a critical new initiative aimed at bolstering cybersecurity defense in Montana’s rural communities.
Announced this week, the partnership marks the first corporate collaboration for the Public Infrastructure Security Cyber Education System (PISCES) in the state. The program will provide cyber threat monitoring and training to local governments, school districts, and utility companies—entities often vulnerable to cyberattacks due to limited resources.
“We are thrilled to have Blackfoot Communications as a partner,” said Tom Gallagher, dean of Missoula College and associate vice provost for two-year education and workforce development. “They are a trustworthy community stalwart with deep connections to the rural communities we plan to serve.”
The PISCES program, designed to both improve cybersecurity infrastructure and build the state’s workforce, will give UM students real-time, hands-on experience in identifying and responding to digital threats—skills increasingly sought after by tech employers like Blackfoot.
“Montana has a great need for cybersecurity experts,” Gallagher said. “With Blackfoot’s help, we are solving a workforce gap and bridging the digital divide.”
Blackfoot Communications, a longtime supporter of UM and key internet provider in the region, will serve as the community liaison, helping to connect rural organizations with the university’s cybersecurity resources and training opportunities.
“This is a win-win for Blackfoot,” said Chad Gardner, chief revenue officer at Blackfoot Communications. “We are proud to share this exceptional cybersecurity program with the communities we serve and support the development of the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.”
The partnership is part of a broader effort to establish UM and Missoula College as Montana’s cybersecurity hub. The university offers a variety of educational tracks, ranging from short-term certificates to full associate and bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity.
By combining corporate expertise with academic innovation, the initiative promises to both fortify Montana’s digital defenses and create career pathways for students in a high-demand field.
By: DNU staff