SAVANNAH — Armstrong State University officials signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon in Augusta on June 2 to share resources and help develop a cyber-trained workforce through education, innovation research and outreach.

The memorandum establishes a framework for fostering a relationship between the U.S. Army Cyber Center and Armstrong, with Armstrong providing educational support for the center’s mission of building the nation’s cyberspace forces.  

“Armstrong’s Cyber Education Program offers an interdisciplinary approach to cyber education through computer science-related courses, as well as criminal justice in digital forensics, political science in cyber policy, cyber law and the introduction of industry certifications to meet the requirements of the national cybersecurity workforce framework,” noted Scott C. Scheidt, director of Armstrong’s Center for Applied Cyber Education.

Armstrong President Linda M. Bleicken and U.S. Army Cyber Center commander Maj. Gen. Stephen G. Fogarty signed the memorandum. Armstrong Provost Robert Smith also attended the ceremony, as did representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter and Rick Allen, both R-Ga.

“This partnership with the U.S. Army Cyber Center for Excellence is a win-win for the center and for the university,” Bleicken said.
In 2015, the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recognized Armstrong as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. Armstrong offers nine cyber-related degrees or certificate programs through blended campus and online learning.

“The cooperation between Armstrong State University and the U.S. Army’s Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon not only benefits our military and Armstrong directly, but the United States as a whole,”  Isakson said. “Cyber defense is crucial in the modern world, and Georgia is turning out leaders who will protect our national security. This is exactly the type of collaborative venture we should encourage.”

In addition to Armstrong’s main campus in Savannah, degree opportunities are also offered at the Armstrong Liberty Center in Hinesville. The state-of-the-art facility extends opportunities for the military community and others in Hinesville to pursue higher education and earn college degrees in key fields in Liberty County.