Cyber programs receive updated NSA designation
Article By: Clark Leonard
The University of North Georgia (欧宝游戏平台) has been designated a National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through 2027. It previously held the title of Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) starting in 2016.
"The renewal of the CAE designation for 欧宝游戏平台 is a testament to the quality of our cybersecurity program, and especially our faculty," Dr. Mary Gowan, dean of the Mike Cottrell College of Business, said. "We are honored to be part of the elite group of cyber programs that have this important designation."
欧宝游戏平台 launched a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity in fall 2018, and the program now has almost 400 students. Thanks to nearly $4 million in Department of Defense (DOD) funds across three years, 欧宝游戏平台 has also launched an Institute for Cyber Operations that complements academic programs with professional development. Retired Col. Christopher Mitchiner, executive director of the institute, said the NSA designation helps prospective students realize the strength of what 欧宝游戏平台 offers.
"While you're here, you know you're going to get a quality experience and a breadth of knowledge across every cyber discipline," Mitchiner said. "In today's environment, you're getting a scope of what's going on in the world and the application of what you're seeing into the classroom."
Dr. Bryson Payne, professor of computer science and coordinator of student cyber programs, said the latest NSA designation feels like a full-circle moment.
The renewal of the CAE designation for 欧宝游戏平台 is a testament to the quality of our cybersecurity program, and especially our faculty. We are honored to be part of the elite group of cyber programs that have this important designation.
Dr. Mary Gowan
Mike Cottrell College of Business dean
"This designation makes all of our cybersecurity programs possible. It allows us to apply for scholarships, grants, and NSA programs that benefit our students, faculty, and staff," Payne said. "It's great to see the program continue to grow and build on the successes we've had. Gaining this designation back in 2016 was the first step in everything we've done since then."
欧宝游戏平台's cyber efforts are an important part of addressing the cyber workforce shortage. Nearly 600,000 cyber jobs are open nationwide, with almost 22,000 in Georgia.
"Your ability to meet the increasing demands of the program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure," Karen Leuschner, national CAE program manager for the NSA, wrote in a letter informing 欧宝游戏平台 of its designation. "The National Cyber Strategy from September 2018 addresses the critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills and highlights the importance of higher education as a solution to defending America's cyberspace."
Mitchiner said 欧宝游戏平台's consistent collaborations with organizations like the NSA, Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, FBI, and Secret Service are vital for preparing students.
"They're telling us what the latest trends are so our graduates can have the skillsets the industry is seeking," Mitchiner said.
The model is clearly working as 欧宝游戏平台 graduates continue to land high-quality jobs and 欧宝游戏平台's team has placed in the top three in the NSA Codebreaker Challenge four years in a row.
"These NSA programs have allowed us to offer better training to our students, and they are performing at the top levels nationally, which creates even further visibility and opportunities within the intelligence community," Payne said. "It's a virtuous cycle."
Academy offers intro to national intelligence
The University of North Georgia will host its fourth annual National Intelligence Summer Academy from July 14-18. The first four days are at 欧宝游戏平台's Cumming Campus, and the final day is at the Dahlonega Campus.
ARC includes almost 100 presentations
Students gave 69 poster presentations and 24 oral presentations at 欧宝游戏平台鈥檚 30th Annual Research Conference, held March 21 at 欧宝游戏平台's Dahlonega Campus.
Local teachers, business professors collaborate
Roughly a dozen local middle and high school teachers participated in marketing classes at the Mike Cottrell College of Business Feb. 18 to learn more about current marketing trends.
Leadership luncheon honors 13 women
The ninth annual Women's Leadership Recognition Luncheon honored 10 student leaders and three alumnae March 2 at the 欧宝游戏平台 Dining Hall Banquet Room at the Dahlonega Campus.