Norfolk State University Recognized by Federal Agencies

(NSU NEWSROOM—May 26, 2015)–Norfolk State University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The University’s cyber defense education curriculum, which is housed in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, was cited for meeting the increasing demands of program criteria that will “serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure,” according to the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

Displaying SEM-Cyber Security WEB .jpg
Norfolk State students using a computer.

The news comes as Norfolk State prepares to host a Virginia Cyber Security Commission town hall meeting on June 9. At the meeting, security experts, industry leaders and administration officials are expected to meet and identify ways the public and private sectors can work together to help bolster the Commonwealth’s cyber security industry and expand the state’s economic footprint in cyber technology.

Read more on HBCUBuzz.com: FAMU Grad Student Named Outstanding Gubernatorial Leadership Fellow

Dr. Aurelia Williams, chair of the NSU Department of Computer Science, says the program has helped to educate hundreds of students who go on to have successful careers in information assurance.

“We have worked very hard to develop courses that will properly train our students to be cybersecurity professionals,” Williams said. “The designation through 2020 further solidifies our cybersecurity presence within the country.”

This year alone, the NSU department has secured grants totaling $30 million that will help NSU continue its mission of educating the next generation of cyber security professionals. And in the fall, the University will begin offering a Master’s degree in cyber security, Williams said.

For more information about the meeting, please contact the NSU Office of Communications and Marketing at 757-823-8373.

Like HBCU Buzz on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.