New River Community College has been designated as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA).
Beginning this year, students who graduate with an associate degree in Information Technology – Cyber Security Specialization will receive a letter with their diploma indicating this designation.
The college received this designation after a multi-year, peer-reviewed process, in which NRCC showcased its robust and active cybersecurity program that includes a range of student activities. The activities offered included a computer club, a cyber day for the local community, several cyber ninja summer camps, competitions events, and refurbished donated computers to students in need with the computer club giving out a total of over 200 computers.
With the CAE-CD designation, NRCC will receive opportunities to apply for federal grant projects and participate in professional development for its faculty.
“Receiving the CAE-CD designation confirms the excellent work of our information technology and computer science faculty in and out of the classroom,” said Debbie Bond, NRCC Dean of Business and Technologies. “The faculty is dedicated to the students and makes sure they are taught the most current technology and skills.”
NRCC joins nine other community colleges and 13 four-year universities in Virginia that hold the National Center for Academic Excellence designation.
“This recognition highlights the important work NRCC is doing in cyber security education and makes our graduates even more competitive as they enter the job market or continue learning at a four-year institution,” said Dr. Dave Filer, NRCC professor of information systems technology.
The Information Technology – Cyber Security Specialization program at the college is a two-year program that requires students to take several industry-recognized certification exams. Along with that program, NRCC offers nine other programs in the information technology field.
To learn more about the NRCC Center for Cyber Defense, visit www.nr.edu/cybersecurity/ or contact Dr. Filer at dfiler@nr.edu or (540) 674-3600, ext. 4272.
