The National Security Agency and the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Agency has recognized the Marshall University’s Cyber Defense program as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. 

This honor was granted last month with University President Brad Smith, Dr. David Dampier, the director of the Cyber Security program, and Professor Bill Gardner representing the University at the National Cybersecurity Education Colloquium. 

According to Gardner, Marshall can finally be recognized for this program. 

“This designation puts the NSA and other federal agencies’ stamp of approval on Marshall University’s cybersecurity programs and helps to attract students to fill the cybersecurity shortage of skilled cybersecurity labor that currently exists,” Gardner said. 

Institutions that offer cybersecurity programs are awarded these designations, but the programs must fall into the requirements set aside by the NSA to receive the designation. 

“Achieving the Center of Academic Excellence recognition from the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security is a testament to the quality of the academic programs at Marshall University,” Dampier said. 

Dampier also said that this will bring more opportunities to Marshall through funding and more recognition through these programs. 

The NCAS-E is designed to help colleges build cybersecurity programs that help build high curriculum standards. 

“The NSA CAE-CD designation recognizes Marshall as a critical part of the solution through interdisciplinary cybersecurity education, research and workforce development,” said Dr. Josh Brunty, the director of Marshall’s cyber forensic and security graduate program.  

“This designation also empowers our faculty and staff to make the most of our collective cyber expertise, enabling us to effectively train future generations of cyber experts.”