Clayton State University awarded $30,000 gift for new data analytics lab

(September 22, 2020) - Clayton State University has received a $30,000 gift thanks to the generosity of the SunTrust Trusteed Foundations: Nell Warren Elkin and William Simpson Elkin Foundation.

The gift will expand computer science and information technology education at Clayton State through the development of a data analytics lab that will host a big data processing platform and software focusing on data mining, machine learning, cybersecurity and cyber forensics.

“Data collection and analysis touches the lives of everyone, as our personal data and information is being collected by many of our electronic devices, our online shopping and browsing patterns and healthcare, just to name a few,” said Dr. Lila Roberts, dean of the College of Information and Mathematical Sciences. “Having Clayton State students from mathematics, computing and electronic records management who are trained to analyze data using state of the art software and hardware will prepare students for high demand careers in data analytics.”

Clayton State University offers undergraduate programs in computer science and information technology, in addition to specialized course study in fintech.

“By partnering with Clayton State and the College of Information and Mathematical Sciences to support the creation of a lab dedicated to data analytics, SunTrust Trusteed Foundations: Nell Warren Elkin and William Simpson Elkin Foundation is investing in our students from a variety of disciplines to create a workforce ready to meet the growing demand in the region and beyond,” Roberts said.