‘The future is now at Augusta University’

A message to the Augusta University community from President Brooks Keel

Dear Colleagues,

In my investiture remarks last April, I talked about what a tremendous opportunity we have to become a destination for cybersecurity, and I’m excited to say, today, we’re one step closer to that reality.

As Augusta opens an extraordinary new chapter with this month’s groundbreaking for the Hull McKnight Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, we, too, are reminded that we must push ahead or be left behind.

So, it is in the spirit of progress that I announced today a new School of Computer and Cyber Sciences that will enhance the university’s computer science and information technology programs and expand the work done by the Augusta University Cyber Institute in the areas of cyber operations, health security and data science.

Slated to open this fall, and move to the 168,000-square-foot cyber innovation and training center upon completion in 2018, the school will benefit more than 300 current computer science and information technology students, who will have the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with industry, the departments of industry and defense, and state cybersecurity professionals and tech startups.

The school will have full authority to present diplomas to our computer science and information technology graduates and will continue to offer a master’s degree in information security management and bachelor’s degrees in computer science, information technology, and information technology with a concentration in cybersecurity.

With hands-on research and internship opportunities not found anywhere else, we have the opportunity to revolutionize cybersecurity education in Georgia and make Augusta a leading hub for cybersecurity innovation.

Today we also announced the first federal investment into cybersecurity education at the new cyber innovation and training center, with a faculty position jointly appointed by Augusta University and Savannah River National Laboratory.

SRNL will provide $200,000 to launch the position, and will jointly fund the faculty member’s effort through an annual agreement thereafter. The individual will join the new school’s faculty and have a special focus on interdisciplinary research and education in the area of cybersecurity.

While an unprecedented step in our journey to further our own cybersecurity education initiatives, it is only a start. Over the next several months, a committee will work hard to ensure a smooth transition for our students, faculty and educational programs.

I want to thank our academic leadership and those within the Hull College of Business and the Augusta University Cyber Institute who helped get us here today and who will continue to work to move us forward.

We appreciate your commitment to the future of Augusta University!

Sincerely,

Brooks A. Keel, PhD
President, Augusta University