Niagara University receives Center of Excellence designation from National Security Agency

By Niagara University

Niagara University announced its designation as a National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. This important recognition underscores the university’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity education, research, and developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to protect the U.S.’ critical national information infrastructure into the future.

The National Cyber Strategy addresses the critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills and highlights the importance of higher education as a solution to defending America’s cyberspace, noting a “highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage.”

The NSA CAE designation is awarded to institutions that meet rigorous criteria for their cybersecurity programs. These criteria include academic program quality, faculty expertise, student support, and a demonstrated commitment to collaboration and community outreach in cybersecurity. The program of study validated by the NSA is Niagara University’s Master of Science degree program in information security and digital forensics (ISDF).

"Receiving the NSA Center of Academic Excellence designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University. “It highlights our institution’s leadership in cybersecurity education and our commitment to preparing students for critical roles in protecting our nation’s cyber infrastructure."

As a designated NSA Center of Academic Excellence, Niagara will benefit from increased access to research funding, collaboration opportunities with other CAE institutions, and the ability to influence national cybersecurity education standards. This designation will also enable the university to offer students enhanced learning opportunities, including specialized courses, hands-on learning, and access to state-of-the-art cybersecurity labs and research.

"This designation will enhance our ability to attract top-tier students and faculty, and foster partnerships with industry and government agencies,” said Dr. Petter Lovaas, Niagara’s chief information security officer and chair of the department of cybersecurity and operations. “We are excited about the opportunities this recognition brings to our institution and the broader community."

Alumni of the program shared the how it prepared them for their careers in cybersecurity.

“As a graduate of Niagara University’s ISDF program, I can confidently say that it significantly impacted my career as a cybersecurity professional,” said Jon Sandanato, a cyber threat analyst with New York Life Insurance. “The program equipped me with cutting-edge skills within the cybersecurity landscape and further developed my passion for the industry. The hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Moreover, the program alignment with many of the industry's top certifications was invaluable for my career success. Thanks to Niagara’s ISDF program, I am well-prepared to tackle the ever-evolving challenges in the cybersecurity field.”

“The ISDF program has given me the confidence and knowledge to discuss and work within a wide range of security topics and tools while developing into a subject matter expert in my current role,” said Michael Russell, lead security control assessor at Armavel LLC. “The time in this program has given me a passion for learning within an ever-changing cyber world and the opportunity to take my career in any direction I choose.”

“My master's degree in information security and digital forensics from Niagara University has been instrumental in my career as a cybersecurity risk adviser,” said Jacob Cashion, who works at M&T Bank. “The advanced skills and deep knowledge I gained have empowered me to provide expert oversight and advisory support."