The Computer Science Department at the University of Illinois Springfield is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) under the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program.

The NCAE-C program, managed by the National Security Agency (NSA), brings together federal partners and academic institutions to promote excellence in cybersecurity education, workforce development, research, and community engagement. The program establishes standards for cybersecurity education, supports competency development among students and faculty, encourages professional development and community outreach, and promotes collaboration to address challenges in cybersecurity education. The CAE-CD designation is awarded to regionally accredited academic institutions offering cybersecurity degrees and/or certificates at the associate, bachelor's, and graduate levels.

Through its CAE-CD designation, the University of Illinois Springfield is committed to preparing students for careers in cybersecurity and cyber defense through rigorous academic programs, hands-on learning, cybersecurity research, experiential learning, professional development, and community engagement. Students benefit from opportunities to participate in cybersecurity laboratories, research projects, cyber competitions, internships, conferences, and other activities that complement their academic preparation and strengthen their cybersecurity skills.

The Center also promotes collaboration with academic institutions, industry partners, government organizations, K–12 schools, and community organizations to strengthen cybersecurity education and workforce development. These partnerships provide opportunities for students and faculty to engage in cybersecurity education, research, professional development, and outreach activities.

The Center is committed to advancing cybersecurity education, research, and workforce development, with particular emphasis on preparing students to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and contributing to the development of a skilled and diverse cybersecurity workforce. The Center was established by the UIS Campus Senate, Resolution 37-13.

Mission of the Center

The mission of the Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) is to advance cybersecurity education, research, workforce development, and community engagement at the University of Illinois Springfield and throughout the region. The Center seeks to:

  • Support faculty research and scholarship by facilitating the development, submission, and administration of externally funded grants and contracts in cybersecurity, cyber defense, privacy, and related areas.
  • Promote faculty professional development by providing opportunities and support for faculty to enhance their expertise in emerging cybersecurity technologies, teaching practices, research, and professional activities.
  • Strengthen cybersecurity education and curriculum development by supporting the development and continuous improvement of cybersecurity courses, programs, instructional materials, and hands-on laboratory environments.
  • Advance experiential and applied learning by providing students with opportunities to engage in cybersecurity research, laboratory activities, cyber competitions, internships, projects, and other real-world learning experiences.
  • Facilitate knowledge transfer and workforce development by adapting and disseminating cybersecurity education, training, and resources for academic, public-sector, private-sector, and community partners.
  • Expand outreach and partnerships by developing collaborative relationships with government agencies, industry, academic institutions, K–12 schools, and community organizations to promote cybersecurity awareness, education, and workforce development.
  • Promote diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity by developing outreach, mentoring, and support initiatives that increase the participation and success of students from underrepresented and underserved groups in cybersecurity education and careers.
  • Organize and support cybersecurity events, including workshops, seminars, conferences, professional development activities, and community outreach programs that advance cybersecurity awareness and knowledge.
  • Support the regional and national cybersecurity workforce by preparing students with the knowledge, technical skills, professional competencies, and ethical foundations necessary to address evolving cybersecurity challenges.

Security

University Information Security Policy

IT Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines

Contact

Director of the Center: Dr. Goutham Reddy Alavalapati

Center POC / NCAE-C POC: Dr. Goutham Reddy Alavalapati
Information Systems Security Officer: Mary P. Stevens

University Hall 3114
University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: 1- 217- 206 - 8423
Fax: 1 - 217 - 206 - 6217