Central ND News

The University of Mary has been granted the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation. This award is given by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), highlighting the university’s strong position in cybersecurity education. This honor places the University of Mary among a select group of institutions that adhere to the high standards of the NSA and DHS in this field.

Renae Weathers, the National CAE program manager at the NSA, acknowledged the university's role in tackling the national shortage of cybersecurity professionals. “The University of Mary’s ability to meet the increasing demands of the CAE-CD program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure,” Weathers said. She emphasized the strategic advantage of having a skilled cybersecurity workforce for national security, underlining the government's commitment to fostering domestic talent.

The university features a prominent Cybersecurity Administration program, part of the Gary Tharaldson School of Business. Through a practical curriculum, it offers students hands-on training in cybersecurity strategies, priming them for careers across various sectors. Dr. Kevin Fishbeck, professor and director of Computer Information Systems, stated that this designation reinforces the university's dedication to top-tier cybersecurity education. "At the University of Mary, we are dedicated to developing cybersecurity professionals who not only possess cutting-edge technical skills but also a deep sense of ethical responsibility,” Fishbeck said.

The faculty comprises individuals with considerable industry experience, boasting a combined 55 years in the field. Dr. Fishbeck himself has over two decades of cybersecurity expertise and operates a consulting firm. Assistant Professor Tanya Taplin, also a program director for cybersecurity, and Matt Frohlich, add to the vast practical knowledge available to students. Taplin noted, “The recognition from the NSA and DHS confirms that our program is delivering the highest caliber of cybersecurity education.”

As cyber threats continue to rise, the need for cybersecurity professionals increases. The field is expected to see a substantial rise in job openings, with over 3.5 million projected in the coming years. The University of Mary aims to provide its students with the skills to protect national infrastructure and digital assets, as Taplin emphasized the importance of education in maintaining a strong ethical stance and leadership qualities.

The University of Mary continues to focus on cybersecurity training and innovation to meet industrial demands and provide solutions against modern cyber threats.