NSA, DHS Bestow Distinction on UA Cyber Defense Program

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security recently designated The University of Alabama a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research.

UA joins about 60 universities nationwide that have earned this designation.

“Becoming an NSA-DHS Center of Academic Excellence is an important early milestone for the Cyber Institute as we continue to build the program,” said Reginald Hyde, executive director of UA’s Cyber Institute.

“It will provide greater research and academic opportunities for faculty and students across the University,” Hyde said. “Importantly, it is tremendously valuable to our engineering programs that are focused on cyber-related areas.”

The designation is valid for five years.

“The UACI is in a position to draw on the expertise and talents of every College and School on campus,” said Dr. Carl A. Pinkert, vice president for research and economic development. “This is critical due to the fluid and interdisciplinary nature of cyber defense and research.”

Housed under the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development, UA’s Cyber Institute launched in April 2014.

The new distinction, among other things, means access to potential grant, research and student-support funding for which only designated universities can apply.

“Relevant faculty publications and grants as well as student theses and dissertations related to cyber issues were evaluated as part of the application process,” said Dr. Mark M. Lanier, associate director of UA’s Cyber Institute. “The cyber-related curriculum offered at UA was also scrutinized.”

UA continues building its capabilities in the area of cyber research and education. New academic programs in the Honors College and College of Arts and Sciences supplement the existing College of Engineering’s computer science cyber curriculum and the Culverhouse College of Commerce’s management information systems’ program. Cyber threats remain among the greatest challenges facing society.