Mitchell Community College Earns National Designation for Cyber Defense Excellence
Mitchell Community College has been officially designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), a prestigious recognition awarded to institutions that meet rigorous standards in cybersecurity education. The designation, confirmed by the National Security Agency (NSA), is valid through the 2031 academic year.
This national honor recognizes Mitchell’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity education and preparing students to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in protecting the nation’s critical information infrastructure. The designation aligns with national priorities to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce pipeline and highlights the essential role of higher education in addressing workforce shortages.
In its official designation letter, the NSA noted that Mitchell Community College’s Information Technology program will “serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure” and emphasized that “a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage.”
“This designation is a testament to the strength of our Information Technology program and the dedication of our faculty and staff,” said Dr. Tim Brewer, President of Mitchell Community College. “It reinforces our mission to provide high-quality, career-focused education that prepares students for in-demand fields.”
Jason Lands, Program Chair of Information Technology, emphasized the impact this achievement will have on students:
“This designation for the Cyber Program is great for the College and our students. This designation will open a lot of doors for student internships, continuing education with 4-year institutions, and grant opportunities. We are joining a select group of colleges across the nation, and I look forward to this helping our students gain more opportunities for their careers.”
As a newly designated CAE-CD institution, Mitchell joins a select network of colleges and universities recognized for excellence in cybersecurity education. The designation enhances the college’s ability to provide students with expanded opportunities, including partnerships with government and industry, increased access to funding opportunities, and strengthened transfer pathways to four-year institutions.
Mitchell Community College will be invited to participate in a future national designation ceremony hosted by the CAE Program Management Office.
This milestone reinforces Mitchell’s commitment to workforce development and positions its graduates at the forefront of one of the nation’s most critical and rapidly growing career fields.
Learn more about Mitchell’s Information Technology program at mitchellcc.edu/information-technology
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