FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Courtney Davis
Assistant Director for Public Relations
Prince George's Community College
daviscl@pgcc.edu
Cyber Program Designated by NSA as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
LARGO, Md. (June 15, 2022) – Prince George's Community College (PGCC) today announced that its cyber defense program has been designated as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA). The selective five-year designation, effective through 2027, constitutes a renewal of the College's distinction initially instituted in 2014.
The CAE-CD designation is reserved for colleges and universities with robust programs that meet the NSA's standards for cybersecurity and demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence. Prince George's Community College is among fewer than 400 colleges and universities nationwide that have earned the designation, which signals to students that their classes will prepare them well for cybersecurity, computer engineering, computer science, and engineering technology careers. The program also ensures that students are sufficiently trained to protect and defend government and business systems against modern cyber threats.
"The residents of Prince George's County have access to quality programs, top-notch faculty and staff, and a wealth of resources right here at the College," said Falecia D. Williams, Ed.D., president of Prince George's Community College. "The renewal of our National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation is validation from the NSA that our cybersecurity programs are indeed what we express them to be. Students who complete our rigorous, guided curriculum graduate with the requisite skills needed to fill the competitive jobs of today and tomorrow."
The NSA awards the CAE-CD designation to regionally accredited academic institutions offering cybersecurity degrees and certificates at the associate, bachelor's, and graduate levels.
"The CAE-CD redesignation recognizes the outstanding work of our students and faculty," said Koudjo Koumadi, Ph.D., professor of networking and cybersecurity in the College's Technology, Engineering, and Construction Department. "We could not have done it without sound leadership and the active participation of colleagues in all departments." He noted that the redesignation process began in 2021, and the department had to submit detailed documentation on the programs and courses, including student lab work samples, and had to prove that the College adheres to and implements adequate cybersecurity principles and policies.
In evaluating and awarding the designation, the NSA partners with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/National Initiative on Cybersecurity Education (NICE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Defense Office of the Chief Information Officer (DoD-CIO), and the U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM).
In 2014, Prince George's Community College was among the first 44 institutions designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance (IA) /Cyber Defense (CD).
Cyber resources on the Largo campus include the National CyberWatch Center headquarters that the College helped establish in 2017. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Center leads collaborative efforts to advance cybersecurity education and strengthen the national cybersecurity workforce.
The College also operates free GenCyber Summer Camps for underrepresented elementary, middle, and high school students, which take place in July. The summer camps are funded by the National Security Agency and National Science Foundation.
College students and adults interested in earning a cybersecurity certificate or degree are encouraged to consider the program offerings at Prince George's Community College in the Department of Technology, Engineering, and Construction. For more information, contact Department Chair Michael Smith at smithmw@pgcc.edu or 301-546-0752.
# # #
About Prince George's Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2022-2027), Prince George's Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George's County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 25,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George's County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enables PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the College website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George's Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.