CVCC Designated as "Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense"
The National Centers for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) presented the designation to the CVCC Information Technology: CyberSecurity program.
09/17/2024
HICKORY, N.C.—Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) and the College’s Information Technology: CyberSecurity program are honored to be designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Centers for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C).
The NCAE-C creates and manages a collaborative cybersecurity educational program with community colleges, colleges, and universities that:
- Establishes standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence
- Includes competency development among students and faculty
- Values community outreach and leadership in professional development
- Integrates cybersecurity practice within the institution & across academic disciplines
As well as actively engages in solutions to challenges facing cybersecurity education.
The CAE-CD designation is presented to regionally accredited academic institutions which offer cybersecurity-related degrees or certificates. It represents the highest standard of university cybersecurity programs, requiring that the College completes an intensive application process consisting of CAE-CD Program of Study Validation followed by the continued pursuit of the designation.
“In today’s increasingly hazardous digital environment, it is more important than ever to equip our students with the essential knowledge and skills required of the workforce,” states Aden Cranford, Dean of the School of Career and Technical Education at CVCC. “CVCC’s Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense affirms that the quality and rigor of our CyberSecurity curriculum not only meets national standards, but also demonstrates our commitment to academic excellence in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.”
From 2024-2029, CVCC will maintain the CAE-CD designation and receive the benefits of the Centers for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community. CVCC will be listed as a CAE-CD on the CAE Institution Map. Students of the CVCC Information Technology: CyberSecurity program should acquire the skills that allow them to pursue security certifications and various network industry certifications.
“I could not be more excited for the students and staff of our CyberSecurity program,” says Dr. Hinshaw, President of Catawba Valley Community College. “This designation by the National Security Agency firmly establishes CVCC as a leading educational institution for strengthening the talent pipeline in cutting-edge fields like cybersecurity. CVCC is dedicated to integrating essential cyber resiliency best practices both in the classroom and throughout the broader community.”
To learn more about CVCC’s excellent Information Technology curriculum, please contact Rick Barnes, Director of Information Technology programs, at rbarnes@cvcc.edu or call (828) 327-7000 ext. 4312.
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