The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security has designated Columbus State University a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education for advancements made in the defense of the nation’s information infrastructure.

Part of the National Centers of Academic Excellence program, CAE-CD designation is reserved for organizations that promote cyber security in higher education and produce a growing number of professionals with expertise in cyber defense.
 
“Receiving designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education is great recognition for our program and a tribute to the support from the university and our business community,” said Wayne Summers, chair of CSU’s TSYS School of Computer Science. “We are pleased to be part of the effort to defend our nation’s cyber infrastructure."
 
The designation comes just months after TSYS announced a $4.5 million gift to Columbus State University to establish a cybersecurity center in the TSYS School of Computer Science in CSU’s D. Abbott Turner College of Business.

CSU’s new TSYS Cybersecurity Center will attract nationally recognized faculty, fund new research assistantships and student scholarships, support faculty and student travel and finance special projects and initiatives.

An added benefit of the program, students attending CAE-CD schools like CSU are eligible to apply for scholarships and grants through the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program and the Federal Cyber Service Scholarship for Service Program.

Columbus State University and Kennesaw State University are the only institutions in Georgia with the Cyber Defense Education designation. The Georgia Institute of Technology is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research.

Gov. Nathan Deal, members of Congress and appropriate congressional committees were notified about CSU’s designation. Columbus State University will be recognized during a formal event in November.
 
CAE-CD designation is valid for five years, through academic year 2021. Summers said the university plans to reapply in order to retain its designation.