MACON, Ga. — Mercer University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program for Cyber Defense that is administered by the National Security Agency (NSA).
This prestigious designation is awarded to regionally accredited academic institutions offering cybersecurity-related degrees and preparing graduates to meet the U.S. government’s increasing cybersecurity workforce demands. It underscores Mercer’s pivotal role in training a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce, directly contributing to the protection of critical infrastructure and mitigation of cyber threats.
Valid through 2029, the designation reflects a rigorous evaluation of Mercer’s Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity program, the department of computer science and the Center for Cyber Outreach, Research, and Education (CORE).
Dr. Johnathan Yerby, associate professor of cybersecurity and director of CORE in Mercer’s department of computer science, highlighted the collaborative effort behind this achievement.
“Achieving CAE-CD status was a guiding priority from my job interview to when I joined Mercer, and this vision shaped the curriculum, student engagement efforts, technological resources and institutional practices,” Dr. Yerby said. “This designation validates the excellence of our program and opens new doors for our students and faculty.”
The CAE-CD designation signifies that Mercer’s B.S. in cybersecurity program adheres to nationwide standards of excellence, demonstrates competency among faculty and students, prioritizes outreach and leadership, integrates cybersecurity across disciplines and seeks innovative solutions to challenges in the field.
Dr. Yerby noted several key benefits of the CAE-CD designation, including enhanced national visibility for Mercer’s rapidly growing cybersecurity program, expanded potential funding opportunities, strengthened industry partnerships and improved employability for graduates.
“This recognition is not only a testament to our program’s quality but also a gateway to new opportunities for students and faculty alike,” he said.
The 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).
About the NCAE-C Program
The NCAE-C program is managed by the National Security Agency, and housed within NSA’s schoolhouse, The National Cryptologic University. The National Cryptologic University designs, develops and delivers curriculum in cryptology, cybersecurity, language and leadership to members of the Intelligence Community.
