UNG joins Cyber Command academic network
Article By: Denise Ray
The University of North Georgia (UNG) has been selected to join the United States Cyber Command Academic Engagement Network.
UNG is one of 70 universities, 14 community colleges, four service academies, and four federal graduate-level institutions within the network.
"We are honored to be included as an Academic Engagement Network partner for U.S. Cyber Command," Dr. Mary Gowan, dean of UNG's Mike Cottrell College of Business, said. "The focus of the network on building a qualified cybersecurity workforce, applied cyber research, applied analytics, and strategic issues meshes well with our program's emphasis on cyber operations education. This partnership will open even more career opportunities for our graduates, especially those graduates in the Corps of Cadets."
Sponsored capstone mentorships and internships, fellowships, and recruiting programs are some of the opportunities to which UNG students will gain access through this partnership.
The partnership builds on UNG's already strong presence in cybersecurity. UNG is designated by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
The focus of the network on building a qualified cybersecurity workforce, applied cyber research, applied analytics, and strategic issues meshes well with our program's emphasis on cyber operations education.
Dr. Mary Gowan
Mike Cottrell College of Business dean
In addition to its cybersecurity bachelor's degree program that has nearly 400 students, the university offers professional development through its Institute for Cyber Operations for students who plan to enter the private, nonprofit, military, and government sectors. The nation's six senior military colleges, which include UNG, received approximately $1.475 million each in federal money to establish Department of Defense cybersecurity institutes in fall 2020 as pilot programs on their campuses. UNG will receive more than $2.5 million in additional funds from the DOD through the 2022-23 academic year.
In summer 2022, UNG will host its sixth GenCyber Warrior Academy for high school students and second cyber academy for middle and high school teachers thanks to National Security Agency (NSA) grants totaling $265,000.
UNG also has one DOD Cyber Scholarship recipient for 2021-22, giving it a total of nine such scholarships received by UNG students in a four-year span.
To be eligible to partner with U.S. Cyber Command, institutions must be a two-year, four-year, or post-graduate degree institution with programs that align with the study and work of cyber. They must also be regionally accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
"Strong partnerships supported by talented and skilled people are vital to remain agile and ready in the cyber domain," David Frederick, executive director of U.S. Cyber Command, said.
UNG and other partner institutions will have access to monthly events and engagements with the commanders and staff of U.S. Cyber Command.
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