The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) through the academic year 2024 for the Associate of Applied Science in Computer and Information Technology, Program Option – Information Security. This designation was earned by the CIT faculty and led by Cyber Security Associate Professor Cheryl Purdy.
“We are proud of this recognition and happy to be able to promote this to prospective students as an added benefit. It clearly demonstrates the quality of our CIT program. I congratulate the faculty for pursuing this coveted award,” said Scott Williams, OCTC president.
As a result of the award, OCTC CIT program will be listed as a Center of Excellence on the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security website and will receive an award certificate.
The award denotes the program’s ability to meet the increasing demands of the criteria that will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure. The National Cyber Strategy, September 2018, addresses the critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills and highlights the importance of higher education as a solution to defending America’s cyberspace. “A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage.” “The United States Government will continue to invest in and enhance programs that build the domestic talent pipeline, from primary through post-secondary education.” They reference education as the key to promoting these ideals.
For more information about OCTC’s CIT program contact Program Coordinator Theresa Schmitt by calling 270-686-4604.
