SF designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
June 5, 2025
Santa Fe College’s A.S. in IT Security has been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
The NSA CAE designation was granted by the National Security Agency/Central Security Service.
This highly sought after designation requires a significant commitment by the college to cybersecurity and validation of a rigorous program of study. The CAE designation ensures students will receive the highest quality cybersecurity training.
The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program is managed by NSA's National Cryptologic School. Federal partners include the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/National Initiative on Cybersecurity Education (NICE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Defense Office of the Chief Information Officer (DoD-CIO), and U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM).
The mission of the NCAE-C program is to create and manage a collaborative cybersecurity educational program with community colleges, colleges, and universities that:
- Establish standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence,
- Include competency development among students and faculty,
- Value community outreach and leadership in professional development,
- Integrate cybersecurity practice within the institution & across academic disciplines,
- Actively engages in solutions to challenges facing cybersecurity education.
In announcing the designation, Renae Weathers, National CAE Program Manager, NSA, wrote:
“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. The National Cyber Strategy, September 2018, addresses the critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills and highlights the importance of higher education as a solution to defending America’s cyberspace.”
The effort was led by James Nichols, Associate Professor, Networking and Security Technologies, and Patrea Wilson, Assistant Professor, Networking and Security, working with departments across the college.
The designation also provides numerous benefits to students who can receive a designation on their transcript, be eligible for Department of Defense scholarships and employment, among others, and for the College, including opportunities for grant funding.
College representatives will be invited to a designation ceremony and Santa Fe College will be denoted on the CAE in Cybersecurity Community map.
Visit the Cyber Center webpage for details and continued updates.
