National Security Agency Designates Collin College As A National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

Feb. 23, 2022 Collin College was granted the designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) from the National Security Agency (NSA).

The college also received validation from the NSA for its program in Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity through 2027.

Obtaining the CAE-CD designation required hard work and determination on the part of the Collin College Cybersecurity Department, said Dr. Brenden Mesch, dean of Academic Affairs and Workforce at the Frisco Campus. This designation validates our passion to support future cybersecurity professionals in their educational pursuits.

The Collin College Cybersecurity Department had to demonstrate engagement in significant community involvement, academic activities, and institutional practices in cybersecurity as part of their self-study.

I am happy to be part of an organization which values the work of so many diligent cybersecurity professionals and recognizes that so much more can be done, said Ervin Frenzel, director of the workforce cybersecurity program at Collin College. Our school, our workforce division, and our department are fortunate to have so many dedicated individuals that share a common vision.

According to a letter from the NSA, the colleges 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. The NSAs National Cyber Strategy addresses the critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills and highlights the importance of higher education as a solution to defending Americas cyberspace.

For more information about Collin Colleges Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity and Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity, visit www.collin.edu/department/cybersecurity.

Collin College serves more than 56,000 credit and continuing education students annually and offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, including new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity degrees. The only public college based in Collin County, Collin College is a partner to business, government and industry, providing customized training and workforce development. For more information, visitwww.collin.edu.