NHTI-Concord’s Community College has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA). This recognition highlights the college’s commitment to equipping graduates of its cybersecurity associate degree program with essential skills needed in a rapidly evolving field.
Chad Johnson, the program coordinator for information technology at NHTI, stated, “NHTI is deeply committed to meeting the evolving demands of today’s workforce.” He emphasized that few sectors are developing as quickly or as critically as cybersecurity. This sentiment is reinforced in the designation letter from the NSA, which references the National Cyber Strategy: “A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage.”
The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program is managed by the NSA alongside several federal partners, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Defense Office of the Chief Information Officer (DoD-CIO), and US Cyber Command (CYBERCOM).
Validation of Educational Quality
Johnson explained that this designation affirms the quality, rigor, and relevance of the education provided in NHTI’s Networking and Cybersecurity Operations program. To achieve this recognition, the college’s curriculum had to meet specific learning outcomes and include hands-on lab exercises, allowing students to practice their skills in realistic environments.
The rigorous qualification process examined more than just the cybersecurity curriculum. NHTI was required to demonstrate that its institutional cybersecurity measures complied with national standards. Additionally, the college reported the integration of cybersecurity principles in other areas of study, such as how its healthcare programs educate students on securing patient medical files.
Opportunities for Students and the College
This prestigious cybersecurity designation opens numerous opportunities for both NHTI and its students. It allows access to competitive grants, specialized scholarships, and enhanced connections with cybersecurity professionals and industry partners.
As the demand for cybersecurity experts continues to rise, the importance of institutions like NHTI in shaping the future workforce becomes increasingly evident. To learn more about NHTI’s Information Technology programs, interested individuals can visit nhti.edu.
