OCTC CIT Program Earns National Cyber Security Designation

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (10/02/2019) — 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 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" added Dr. Scott Williams, OCTC President.

Part of the application process included demonstrating;

that courses cover fundamental cyber security best practices
that faculty members hold key cyber security related certifications
that the college/CIT department can provide cyber security information to the public via the college's website

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 programs 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 postsecondary education." They reference education as the key to promoting these ideals.

For more information about OCTC's CIT program please contact Program Coordinator Theresa Schmitt by calling 270-686-4604 or via e-mail theresa.schmitt@kctcs.

Owensboro Community & Technical College is one of the sixteen community and technical colleges that make up the Kentucky Community & Technical College System. OCTC serves the KY counties of Daviess, Hancock, Ohio and McLean. OCTC has three campuses in Daviess County and a Center and Annex in Hancock County. OCTC strives to serve the communities in the service area by providing associate degree education for transfer, state of the art technical education for students focusing on entering the workforce, customized business and industry solutions through the Workforce Solutions division, and adult education and business and industry testing through the SkillTrain unit.

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is the Commonwealth's largest postsecondary institution with 16 colleges and more than 70 campuses. We also are Kentucky's largest provider of workforce training and online education. Through partnerships with business and industry, we align our programs to meet the needs of local employers. We help students fulfill their dreams of creating a better life through programs that lead directly to jobs or help them transfer to one of our four-year partners.

Connect with OCTC: Owensboro.kctcs | Facebook.com/owensboroctc | Twitter@OCTC_Tweets | Instagram OwensboroCTC

Theresa

Schmitt

Owensboro Community and Technical College

OCTC CIT Program Earns National Cyber Security Designation

Owensboro Community and Technical College

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