August 27, 2026
Greg Gogolin
BIG RAPIDS, Mich. —
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters toured Ferris State University’s nationally recognized cybersecurity
programs on 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 see re-election and leaves 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 for the Center for Cybersecurity and Data Science,
stopping in the Faraday Lab, a dedicated space for digital investigations that provides
students and researchers with unparalleled opportunities to engage in hands-on experimentation
and e-discovery.
Senator Gary Peters arriving on Ferris State’s campus as part of his statewide motorcycle
tour.
“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 the 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.
The 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.
