The NCAE Northeast Regional Hub of the National Center of Academic Excellence (NCAE) held a successful first regional cybersecurity town hall meeting on August 24, 2023, which brought together cybersecurity experts, educators, students, and industry leaders in an engaging and insightful in-person gathering.
Under the theme of "Planting the Seeds: Collaborating and Sustaining the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals," attendees fostered collaboration, knowledge exchange, and advancement within the realm of cybersecurity. The event showcased the NCAE Northeast Region's commitment to driving excellence in cybersecurity education and practice.
The Cybersecurity Meeting and Townhall featured a series of enlightening sessions, panel discussions, and workshops that delved into the most pressing issues facing the cybersecurity landscape today. Attendees had the privilege of hearing from distinguished speakers from the National Security Agency (NSA), National CyberWatch, Maryland State Department of Commerce, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) who shared their expertise on topics ranging from cybersecurity grant opportunities, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity careers, and emerging best practices in cybersecurity awareness, ethics, and curriculum development.
One of the highlights of the event was the session during which cybersecurity students from various schools engaged in dynamic discussions about the challenges and opportunities in cybersecurity education and careers. This provided a platform for educators to exchange innovative teaching methods and for students to voice their perspectives on the evolving field.
"We are thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response to the Cybersecurity Meeting and Town Hall," said Dr. William Butler, Chair of the NCAE Northeast Regional Hub and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Capitol Technology University. "The event has once again demonstrated the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals."
The NCAE Northeast Regional Hub extends its gratitude to the speakers, attendees, sponsors, and partners whose support made this event a resounding success. The hub remains committed to fostering an environment where academia, industry, and government can synergize efforts to fortify the nation's cybersecurity posture. The NE Regional Hub meeting committee was commended on their excellent planning of the town hall in a short timeframe. Committee members included Cheryl Beauchamp (Regent University); William Butler (Capitol Technology University); Jeanette Geller (Rockland Community College); Sanjay Goel (University at Albany); Stan Mierzwa (Kean University); Natasha Miller (Capitol Technology University); Loyce Pailen (University of Maryland Global Campus); Michael Qaissaunee (Brookdale Community College); Anthony Serapiglia (St. Vincent College); Sirina Suklal (Capitol Technology University); Beth Very (University of Rhode Island); Mary Wallingsford (Anne Arundel Community College); and Renee Weathers (NCAE Program Management Office).
For more information about the NCAE Northeast Regional Hub and its initiatives, please contact whbutler@captechu.edu.
About NCAE Northeast Region: The NCAE Northeast Regional Hub is a dynamic community of cybersecurity professionals, educators, and students dedicated to promoting excellence in cybersecurity education, research, and practice. Through collaborative efforts, the hub aims to address the evolving challenges of the digital age and contribute to a secure cyberspace.
About Capitol Technology University: Capitol Technology University is a private, not for profit institution that offers STEM-focused education and career programs. We are recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Defense (DoD) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-CD), and we collaborate with the NCAE in their initiatives to provide educational cybersecurity offerings.