Cisco is extending its decade-long support of technology education at North Carolina Central University School of Business by helping to develop a new cybersecurity certificate program for the university.
Cisco has provided $230,000 over the last year in support of scholarships, development of a cybersecurity lab, and assistance in creating a new cybersecurity minor. The certificate program now coming on line will be open to business students and the wider community.
School of Business dean Anthony Nelson, Ph.D., praised Cisco for its ongoing support of student education, as well as its opportunities for employment for Eagle graduates.
“We truly appreciate the relationship we have continued to maintain with Cisco throughout the years,” Nelson said. “The attention they have to areas that directly support innovation and student development has been a central driver to the quality of education we provide.”
The School of Business opened its cybersecurity lab on Oct. 20, 2020. A Cisco networking lab has also been established with help from the multinational technology firm.
“Our recent contribution to NCCU’s cybersecurity program is a testament to our commitment and drive to assist HBCUs,” said Michelle Witherspoon, chief of Operations, People, Culture, Cisco Security & Trust Organization at Cisco.
“NCCU is one of several HBCUs that Cisco’s Security and Trust organization directly targets through its University program to create and foster an ongoing pipeline of students to professional hires.”
Cybersecurity is an ever-involving industry that addresses online threats from cybercriminals and other sources that may disrupt companies as well as communities.
“We are forever grateful for Cisco’s commitment to technology education,” said Donna Grant, Ph.D., chair of the Information Technology division at NCCU’s School of Business.
“Through this relationship we are able to marry scholarly engagement with real world impact. Our students are well prepared to enter into their respective careers adept and ready to contribute.”
