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This name change marks a pivotal moment in �Ļ�Ӱ��'s long-standing commitment to excellence in cybersecurity education. The program, which has consistently been at the forefront of academic innovation and real-world applicability, is now poised to provide students with the most relevant and forward-thinking training in the areas of cybersecurity, cutting-edge technologies, and emerging threats.
The decision to rebrand the program was made following a unanimous vote by the faculty in October 2024. "Protecting information at every level of society has now become so widely accepted using the term 'cybersecurity' that it is time to update the name of �Ļ�Ӱ��'s Computer Security & Information Assurance (CSIA) degree to use today's terminology," said Professor Emeritus Mich Kabay. "This new name better aligns with the focus and direction of our program as we continue to maintain the highest standards of education and training in these critical areas."
A Legacy of Leadership in Cybersecurity Education
The roots of �Ļ�Ӱ��’s cybersecurity program stretch back to the early 2000s, when Dr. Frank Vanecek, then Department Head for Business and Computing, recognized a growing need to prepare students for the cybersecurity challenges posed by an increasing number of computer hackers. Dr. Vanecek, concerned about the need to better equip students to protect computer systems in the corporate world, led the effort to create a program that would meet these emerging demands.
In 2000, Vanecek embarked on a national search to find an expert who could help bring the vision of a cybersecurity-focused program to life. That search led to the hiring of Professor Mich Kabay, a leading figure in the emerging field of Information Assurance, a term used at the time to describe the protection of data and computer systems from security breaches.
With Kabay’s deep expertise in both general computing and the specific area of Information Assurance, the pair worked to develop a program that would be ahead of its time. Kabay, who had extensive experience in both academia and the cybersecurity field, played a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and ensuring that it addressed the growing concern for securing computing systems from cyber threats.
By 2001, the new program was established and quickly became one of the first programs in the nation to receive the prestigious designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence (NSA-CAE) in Information Assurance. This distinction set �Ļ�Ӱ�� apart as a leader in cybersecurity education, with the program growing in national prominence over the years. In 2014, the Ponemon Institute ranked the program #2 out of 403 universities for academic excellence, practical relevance, faculty experience, and professional reputation.
The program's success was further solidified with the opening of Mack Hall in 2018, a state-of-the-art 51,000 square-foot facility that provides students with access to innovative technologies and advanced computing environments.
A Vision for the Future
The new degree name, Cybersecurity and Advanced Technology, reflects the expanding scope of the program, encompassing not just cybersecurity but also the emerging technologies that are reshaping the digital landscape, such as Artificial Intelligence and machine learning. The rebranding is designed to ensure that �Ļ�Ӱ�� students are prepared for the future of cybersecurity, with the knowledge and skills to address the challenges and opportunities posed by new technologies.

“We have consistently been leaders in cybersecurity education, and this name change is part of our ongoing commitment to providing our students with the tools they need to excel in the world of cybersecurity and technology,” said Frank Vanecek, a key figure in the program's creation. "The new name captures the ever-expanding nature of the field and ensures our graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern technology."

The faculty are excited to embark on this new chapter, continuing their commitment to the highest standards of education, training, and real-world experience. �Ļ�Ӱ��’s Cybersecurity and Advanced Technology program will continue to offer rigorous academic courses, hands-on training, and opportunities for students to engage in real-world cybersecurity challenges. In keeping with the university’s tradition, graduates will be prepared to meet the critical demands of the industry and take on leadership roles in securing digital infrastructures across the globe.