NHTI Earns National Recognition for Cybersecurity Excellence

NHTI-Concord’s Community College has been officially designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA). This recognition confirms that graduates from the college’s cybersecurity associate degree program possess the necessary skills to excel in a rapidly evolving field.

Chad Johnson, the program coordinator for information technology at NHTI, emphasized the institution’s commitment to addressing the growing demands of the workforce. He stated, “Few fields are growing as rapidly or as critically as cybersecurity.” This sentiment aligns with the college’s designation letter, which highlights the National Cyber Strategy’s assertion that “a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage.”

Significance of the Designation

The NSA oversees the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program in collaboration with various federal agencies. These include 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).

Johnson elaborated on the significance of this designation, stating that it validates the quality 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 stringent learning outcomes and include practical lab exercises that simulate real-world scenarios.

The rigorous qualification process extended beyond the classroom. NHTI had to demonstrate that its institutional cybersecurity measures adhered to national standards. Additionally, the college reported on how cybersecurity principles were integrated into other relevant academic areas, such as its health care programs, which teach students to secure patient medical files.

Opportunities for Students and the Institution

This prestigious cybersecurity designation paves the way for a multitude of opportunities for NHTI and its students. Graduates will have access to competitive grants, specialized scholarships, and enhanced connections with cybersecurity professionals and industry partners.

The recognition not only enhances the college’s reputation but also strengthens its position in an increasingly competitive educational landscape. For more information about NHTI’s Information Technology programs, interested individuals can visit their official website at nhti.edu.

In summary, NHTI-Concord’s Community College has taken a significant step towards contributing to national security by ensuring that its graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of cybersecurity. The partnership with the NSA and other federal agencies underscores the critical importance of a skilled workforce in safeguarding digital infrastructure.