OCTC's CIT Program Earns National Cyber Security Designation

CIT Program Earns National Cyber Security Designation

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 in Applied Science in Computer and Information Technology, - Information Security option. This designation was earned by the CIT faculty and led by Cyber Security Associate Professor Cheryl Purdy.

Part of the application process included demonstrating that: • Courses cover fundamental cyber security best practices. • Faculty members hold key cyber security related certifications. • College/CIT department can provide cyber security information to the public via the college’s website.

As a result of the award, the 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 program’s 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.” They reference education as the key to promoting these ideals: “The United States Government will continue to invest in and enhance programs that build the domestic talent pipeline, from primary through postsecondary education.”

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.edu. Cheryl Purdy