Admiral Michael Rogers, director of the National Security Agency and commander of U.S. Cyber Command, will speak as part of the Turner College Executive Speaker Series Thursday, Oct. 20 at 2:30 p.m. in the University Hall auditorium at Columbus State University.

Rogers will discuss the ever-increasing need to improve cybersecurity in the areas of national security, including the ongoing need to protect government, businesses and individuals from the constant and growing threats from cyber criminals and terrorists.

“We are very excited to host Admiral Rogers at CSU,” said Chris Markwood, CSU president. “His visit, and his input into our financial cybersecurity program, underscores our commitment to developing a program that is responsive to national concerns as well as the needs of local industry.”

His visit also brings national recognition of the newly established TSYS Cybersecurity Center housed in CSU’s Turner College of Business. The new, innovative program is designed to prepare students for careers in cyber security in this region and across the country. In 2015, CSU was designated a Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

“The threat posed by cybersecurity has permeated every industry,” added Linda Hadley, dean of the Turner College of Business. “With our new cybersecurity initiative in the TSYS School of Computer Science, we are expanding our academic programs to support the cybersecurity workforce needs of our region. We could not be more pleased to have the director of the National Security Agency on our campus to share his expertise with our students, faculty and the entire community. We hope that Admiral Rogers’ visit will not only inform and inspire our students, but will also highlight the need for a reliable source of graduates with competence in this area.”

Rodgers assumed his present duties as Director of the National Security Agency and Commander of U.S. Cyber Command in March 2014. His previous service afloat and ashore has been extensive, including serving as the Director for Intelligence for both the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. Pacific Command, and most recently as commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10^th Fleet. A graduate of Auburn University, Rogers is also a distinguished graduate of the National War College and a graduate of highest distinction from the Naval War College. He is a Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI Fellow; Harvard Senior Executive in National Security alumus; and holds a Master of Science in national security strategy.