SAVANNAH — The National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently recognized Armstrong State University as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

This designation, awarded through the 2021 academic year, underscores the university’s growing commitment to cybersecurity education and research.  

“Being recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education is a tremendous honor,” Armstrong President Linda M. Bleicken said.

Armstrong’s Center for Applied Cyber Education offers an interdisciplinary approach to cyber education. Under the auspices of the university’s Department of Computer Science and Information Technology — in collaboration with the departments of Criminal Justice, Social and Political Science and the Cyber Forensics Division of Armstrong’s Police Department — students learn to secure data, investigate intrusions and prosecute cyber crimes.

Karen Leuschner, the National Center of Academic Excellence program manager, praised Armstrong for meeting the evolving demands of cybersecurity education.

Armstrong is one of four institutions in Georgia to receive this designation. With the designation, Armstrong students are eligible for scholarships and grants through the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program and the Federal Cyber Service Scholarship for Service Program.  

The National Center for Academic Excellence designation program promotes higher education in cyber defense to prepare a growing number of professionals to meet the need to reduce vulnerabilities in the nation’s cyber networks.