Augusta University selected to join U.S. Cyber Command’s Academic Engagement Network

Augusta University has been selected to join the U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) Academic Engagement Network. CYBERCOM’s Academic Engagement Network is a first of its kind, allowing the command access to resources, talent and other information from its AEN partners to succeed in the ever-changing cyber environment.

The AEN consists of 70 universities, 14 community colleges, four service academies and four federal graduate-level colleges.

“Cyber Command’s goal for the AEN is to strengthen our relationships and communication with these participating institutions,” said David Frederick, executive director of CYBERCOM. “This will improve and sustain our efforts to meet cyberspace educational requirements and workforce needs.”

The AEN academic institutions will participate in engagements with CYBERCOM staff and the respective military commands to help strengthen relationships and prepare the future workforce.

“Augusta University is proud to be selected for this prestigious partnership with the U.S. Cyber Command,” said Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD. “Our inclusion in the new academic engagement network shows the talent pool is strong in our students at the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. We look forward to continuing to provide for the nation’s workforce needs in cybersecurity and seeing these students step forth into their careers.”

To be eligible for a partnership, schools must offer accredited two-year, four-year or post-graduate degree programs around cybersecurity and offer specialization or courses in computer science, cyber-related engineering, cyber law, intelligence, applied analytics and other subjects with a nexus to cybersecurity.

“We are enthused about being included in the U.S. Cyber Command Academic Engagement Network,” said Dr. Alex Schwarzmann, dean of the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. “We are proud of our faculty, our degree programs and our students. Becoming a member of this new community underscores the growing visibility and the impact that Augusta University is having in education and workforce development in computing disciplines, especially in cybersecurity.”

Augusta University is proud to be a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, offering innovative academic programs in computing and cyber sciences, including cybersecurity engineering. Since the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences was founded in 2017, student enrollment in computing-related programs has doubled to over 600 students pursuing degrees as of the spring 2022 semester.

Augusta University looks forward to strengthening its relationship with CYBERCOM and providing insight into the future of the cyber workforce.