MACON, Ga. — Mercer University formally received its designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) from the National Security Agency (NSA) during an official ceremony on April 28 at the CAE annual meeting in Pittsburgh. The CAE program, managed by the NSA in partnership with federal agencies including the Department of Homeland Security, identifies colleges and universities that demonstrate excellence in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
“Mercer University is honored to receive designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense,” said Dr. Lisa M. Lundquist, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “This recognition affirms the strength of our academic programs, the expertise of our faculty, and our commitment to preparing students to meet critical cybersecurity challenges with skill, integrity and purpose.”
The designation, awarded in December 2024, recognizes Mercer’s commitment to meeting rigorous national standards in cybersecurity education, curriculum and workforce development. The ceremony marked the formal presentation of the CAE plaque to Mercer. University leadership participating in the ceremony included Dr. John Thomas Scott, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Dr. Bob Allen, chair of the department of computer science; and Dr. Johnathan Yerby, cybersecurity program director and director of the Center for Cyber Outreach, Research, and Education (CORE).
“This designation reflects the strength of our cybersecurity program and the work our faculty and students are doing to meet real-world challenges,” said Dr. Yerby. “It confirms that what we are building here is aligned with national priorities and producing graduates who are ready to contribute immediately in the field.”
“It was exciting to attend our designation ceremony and see the culmination of years of hard work in the computer science department,” said Dr. Allen. “Cybersecurity was first introduced into our information science and technology program by Dr. David Cozart more than 10 years ago. Dr. Cozart then led the drive to create our cybersecurity program with the goal of being designated a CAE by the NSF. It has been the tremendous work and dedication by Dr. Johnathan Yerby that took our program to this national recognition.”
Nationwide, nearly 500 institutions have earned CAE designations, with only 13 located in Georgia. Mercer’s inclusion positions the University among a limited group in the state meeting rigorous national standards in cybersecurity education.
“The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is proud to house Mercer’s cybersecurity program for undergraduates and proud of this designation,” said Dr. Scott. “These connections demonstrate our commitment to the finest cybersecurity instruction paired with a liberal arts education that centers the human experience in all its instruction.”
About Mercer University’s Cybersecurity program
Mercer’s cybersecurity program, housed within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, emphasizes a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity education, including technical skills, legal and ethical considerations and applied, hands-on learning experiences. The program also supports student participation in national competitions, research initiatives and workforce development opportunities.
Feature image: (From left) CAE Peer Review National Center Director Stephen Miller, Dr. John Thomas Scott, Dr. Johnathan Yerby, Dr. Bob Allen, and Acting Principal Director of the Cyber Academic Engagement Office, Workforce Innovation Directorate, Department of War Office of the Chief Information Officer Scott Nelson
