BIG RAPIDS — Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters toured Ferris State University’s nationally recognized cybersecurity programs Thursday, visiting campus as part of his 10th and final motorcycle tour across the state.
“I’m very impressed. Ferris State is obviously at the forefront of both cyber education and education-related artificial intelligence, innovative programs, and I’m very, very proud of the work that’s being done here,” Peters said.
The senator, who opted not to seek re-election and will leave office in December, arrived with 11 other motorcycle enthusiasts as part of his five-day “Thank You, Michigan” ride.
Peters toured Ferris State’s Center for Virtual Learning with Provost Sean Lancaster and Dr. Greg Gogolin, director of the Center for Cybersecurity and Data Science, stopping in the Faraday Lab, a dedicated space for digital investigations that provides students and researchers with opportunities for hands-on experimentation and e-discovery.
“It’s clear that the reputation for Ferris State is not just in Michigan; it’s national,” Peters said. “Especially the master’s programs, which are at the forefront, were early to be introduced, and since that time have grown and are having a major impact.”
Ferris State’s artificial intelligence program is the first in the nation to be validated in secure artificial intelligence by the National Security Agency, reflecting the quality of the cutting-edge program aimed at filling demand for people with advanced artificial intelligence and cybersecurity skills.
The Ferris State AI program, developed in collaboration with industry leaders and with support from the U.S. Department of War, was the second Bachelor of Science program in the nation.
Ferris State University’s Information Security and Intelligence program has been ranked No. 3 in the nation by Online Cybersecurity as a “2026 Best Online Cybersecurity Program.”
Peters, an avid and long-time motorcycle rider who founded the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus, will ride more than 1,000 miles across the state on this year’s tour.
The senator started the tour in Bay City on Aug. 24 and will finish in East Lansing on Aug. 28.
