In fall 2024, the cybersecurity program at Olivet Nazarene University was recognized by the National Security Administration (NSA) with a special designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Defense (CAE-CD). This spring, representatives from Olivet traveled to Pittsburg for an official recognition ceremony.
On April 28, director of Olivet’s cybersecurity program, Jeffrey Rice, DSc, and University President Gregg Chenoweth, Ph.D. attended a recognition event hosted by the NSA. One of the event speakers was Brigadier General Reid Novotny, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer for US Cyber Command of the Department of War.
This prestigious designation is important as it can open career doors for alumni from the cybersecurity program at Olivet. The final academic transcripts from Olivet notate that alumni have graduated from an NSA-recognized Center of Academic Excellence. This credential indicates an enhanced program that has been rigorously validated by the NSA.
“This is truly an entire institutional designation,” said Dr. Rice. “It’s a very rigorous process that validates the high quality of our cybersecurity program but also recognizes Olivet’s commitment to the program.”
Olivet’s cybersecurity program is one of only 450 higher education institution in the US to receive designation as a CAE-CD. To qualify, an institution’s curriculum, evidence of student outcomes, faculty expertise and plans for continued academic excellence are all vetted through intense review. Additionally, a university must maintain a formal cybersecurity center, share its expertise through outreach events and industry partnerships, and demonstrate institutional integrity and sustainability for the program.
Students and faculty within the Martin D. Walker School of STEM have consistently stood out among their peers in the industry. This spring, a team of students placed in the top 1% of the National Cyber League competition, ranking 34 out of 3,634 teams.
For more information about the NSA Centers of Academic Excellence, visit https://www.nsa.gov/Academics/Centers-of-Academic-Excellence/. For more information about the cybersecurity program at Olivet, visit Olivet.edu/Academics.
