2 minute read
New Academic Developments
Mount Aloysius College has been named a “Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense” by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Only 16 schools in Pennsylvania and just over 350 institutions across the country hold Center of Academic Excellence status. The Mount is the only four-year program in Blair and Cambria counties with this designation. The select designation is awarded to US colleges and universities who meet the NSA and DHS’ rigorous standards for cybersecurity teaching and awareness. It recognizes colleges whose programs fall in line with rigorous expectations for instruction and support. Mount Aloysius’ “ability to meet the increasing demands of the program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure,” stated the NSA’s certification letter. “We’ve been working on this designation for over a year,” said Kristi Smith, chair of the information technology department at Mount Aloysius. “We have one of the longest-established cyber programs in the area, so to have the NSA validate the program in this way is really special. Our cybersecurity students regularly land impressive internships and careers with major companies and federal agencies, and this designation really validates our program’s excellence.” In their review of the Mount’s cybersecurity program, the NSA and DHS looked at assessment data, curriculum, student transcripts, campus activities, and how cybersecurity is integrated into other programs on campus. “This designation confirms that our students receive powerful instruction in fields that really matter to the future of our country,” said John McKeegan, president of Mount Aloysius College. “It is a very exciting day for the Mount, and I am thankful for the exemplary work of our IT faculty and staff.”
Mount Aloysius College and Penn Highlands Healthcare DuBois announced a new opportunity to pursue a career in surgical technology, providing incoming students up to $44,000 in educational funding, hiring incentives, and guaranteed employment at any Penn Highlands Healthcare hospital. The two-year program will feature a mix of online and in-person classes at Penn Highlands Healthcare DuBois.
Mount Aloysius College will offer a $14,000 scholarship to all incoming surgical technology students in the DuBoisbased program. Students are also eligible for up to $15,000 in educational funding from Penn Highlands Healthcare while enrolled, and up to $15,000 in signing bonuses upon hiring at Penn Highlands Healthcare. “Our mission is to meet the needs of our community with quality programs of education. Penn Highlands Healthcare has expressed the need for surgical technologists, and through this collaboration, we will provide students a stellar education at very little cost,” said John McKeegan, president of Mount Aloysius College.
