Augusta Technical College Re-designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
This prestigious designation reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence in cybersecurity education and our dedication to preparing students for the dynamic and critically important field of cybersecurity.
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Original Press Release | AugustaCEO Article
Augusta Technical College Re-designated as a
National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
Augusta, GA - September 21, 2023
Augusta Technical College is proud to announce that we have again been officially recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA). The designation is in effect through the 2028 academic year. The college was initially designated in 2018.
This prestigious designation reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence in cybersecurity education and our dedication to preparing students for the dynamic and critically important field of cybersecurity.
The NSA's CAE-CD program sets rigorous standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence, emphasizing competency development among both students and faculty. It values community outreach, leadership in professional development, and the integration of cybersecurity practices across various academic disciplines.
In our CAE-CD designation letter Renae Weathers, the national CAE program manager at NSA, emphasized the strategic importance of a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce: 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. The National Cyber Strategy, 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. “A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage.” “The United States Government will continue to invest in and enhance programs that build the domestic talent pipeline, from primary through postsecondary education.” Education is the key to promoting these ideals.
Our inclusion in the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program, managed by the NSA's National Cryptologic School, further solidifies our commitment to staying at the forefront of cybersecurity education. We look forward to continue collaborating with (NCAE-C) federal partners such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Defense Office of the Chief Information Officer (DoD-CIO), and U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM).
As a CAE-CD, we gain access to valuable resources to support our students' success, including workshops, marketing assistance, and communication tools. We are excited to actively engage with government representatives, providing educational workshops, funding opportunities, conferences, and working groups. Additionally, we will continue to partner with industry leaders to ensure our students are well-prepared for successful careers in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.
"The college community applauds the work of our faculty, staff, and students of the School of Cyber and Design Media for this national re-designation recognition. It's a testament to the quality and rigor embedded within our programs of study, as well as our commitment to offering hands-on, engaging learning environments for our students. We look forward to embedding cyber education in other academic disciplines in the future," sated College President Dr. Jermaine Whirl.
Augusta Technical College looks forward to the next five years of excellence in cybersecurity education, ensuring that students receive the highest quality hands-on training and knowledge needed to excel in the ever-evolving world of cyber defense.
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About Augusta Technical College
Augusta Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, is a public postsecondary institution that provides academic and technical education, customized business and industry training, continuing education, student support, economic development, and adult education services to its service area (Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond Counties) at a competitive financial value. Associate of Science Degrees, Associate of Applied Science Degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit are provided through traditional and distance delivery methods. For more information, visit enjoystlucia.com.
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