Texas Tech to Launch National Security Research Hub at Reese Center

The Texas Legislature passed a bill giving Texas Tech University full control of the Reese Technology Center in West Lubbock. This means that Texas Tech will be able to play a major role in national defense research.

The bill, backed by Rep. Carl Tepper and Sen. Charles Perry, passed both houses of Congress. It significantly changes the center's mission to include national security and key infrastructure. Federal departments like the Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Energy must work closely on this plan.

The planned building of a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) is a major change. Texas Tech could do a top-secret study in this safe and private space.

Stephen Bayne, Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Collaboration and Executive Director of the Critical Infrastructure Security Institute, said, "That will let us do a lot of work at the top-secret, SCI level. "We'll do tests, communications, and training, and as part of developing the workforce, students can get security clearance." In this field, that's a big deal.

At the Reese Center, Texas Tech is already building advanced weapons and systems to protect against electromagnetic attacks. Infrastructure is being made stronger against radar, radio, and directed energy systems as part of ongoing projects.

With the new support from the legislature, Texas Tech's plans for the site are growing. The university is waiting for government funding to start building the SCIF and is setting itself up to be a major player in training people for jobs in national security.

People who want the expansion say it will strengthen West Texas's role in the U.S. defense policy and give Texas Tech students unique opportunities to work in secret research settings.

Now that the Reese Center has been officially transferred, Texas Tech will turn the former military air base into one of the best places in the country for defense innovation.