Business Education

FTCC earns redesignation as National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense 2-Year Education

By Staff Report, posted 3 years ago
Photo courtesy of FTCC's webpage

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have redesignated Fayetteville Technical Community College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Two-Year Education through the 2028 academic year. 

“Your ability to meet the increasing demands of the program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure,” said National CAE Program Manager Renae Weathers in her notification letter to FTCC, according to a press release. 

The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program creates and manages a collaborative cybersecurity educational program with community colleges that: 

  • Establishes standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence 
  • Includes competency development among students and faculty 
  • Values community outreach and leadership in professional development 
  • Integrates cybersecurity practice within the institution & across academic disciplines 
  • Actively engages in solutions to challenges facing cybersecurity education 

Students attending an NCAE2Y college are given the opportunity to apply for the highly coveted Department of Defense Cybersecurity Scholarship Program (DoD CySP), participate in monthly tech talks led by industry experts and attend specialized virtual hiring events and career fairs. 

“A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage,” Weathers said in a press release. “The United States Government will continue to invest in and enhance programs that build the domestic talent pipeline, from primary through postsecondary education.”  

Rhiannon Holley, interim chair of FTCC’s Systems Security & Analysis department, said FTCC is “privileged and honored” to be recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence for a second term.  

“Our mission at FTCC is not only to deliver industry-aligned training, but to create opportunities for lifelong success by changing the lives and futures of our students for the better,” she said in a press release. “This designation enables us to continue to serve our students and the community, ultimately bridging the gap between industry needs and cybersecurity talent.” 

For information on FTCC’s cybersecurity programs visit https://www.faytechcc.edu/academics/computer-information-technology-programs/cyber-defense-education-center/

FTCC is also a co-founder and leader in the Carolina Cyber Network, a consortium of 18 two- and four-year colleges and universities in North Carolina, which are working collaboratively to address the gap in cyber skills.

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

Multi-generational business expertise: How legacies in local businesses find sustained success

Join us Sept. 29 for our third Power Breakfast of 2026 as business leaders share how they leverage decades of institutional wisdom. The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal invites you to join us for our third quarterly Power Breakfast, The Fam


Local expertise: Critical Path Solutions LLC chosen as construction company for Skyeton Manufacturing renovations

Skyeton leadership have decided to look locally for a general contractor to head up major renovations for the 28,479-square-foot building they’ve selected as their new home. Fayetteville-based Critical Path Solutions LLC has been chosen as the primary contractor for bringing new life to the previous Black+Decker plant site.


Fort Bragg goes nuclear: Antares awarded Army Janus Program agreement to deliver nuclear microreactor power for Army’s energy resilience mission

From left to right: US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright with Antares Co-founder and CEO Jordan Bramble. Photos courtesy of Antares Nuclear, Inc. Antares Nuclear, Inc. recently announced that it has been awarded an Other Transactions Authority ag