The University System of Georgia and the U.S. Army Cyber Center in Augusta announced a partnership on Friday to help fill more than 11,000 current cyber job openings around the state. Active duty military and reservists will also be eligible to earn a degree for a cyber career while serving in the Army.
“The agreement enables service members stationed at Fort Gordon to pursue their degrees through select USG cybersecurity programs across the state,” said Chancellor Steve Wrigley. “It provides support to the Army and enhances the close collaboration with our military and workforce partners. I look forward to building on the success of this program as we continue to work to meet the needs of the cyber industry.”
Columbus State University, Middle Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, the University of North Georgia and Augusta University are all part of the agreement. All these schools are designated as National Security Agency Centers of Academic Excellence, meaning the programs will allow students to contribute to the nation’s information infrastructure from cyber-attack.
“To ensure the safety and security of our nation’s networks it is imperative that strong partnerships exist across the Department of Defense, academia and industry,” said Robert Kazimer, deputy to the commanding general, U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence. “The new memorandum of understanding between the U. S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and the University System of Georgia helps improve our techniques for instruction and allows our soldiers to accelerate their degree completion programs by recognizing their military work experience, education and training.”
“This unique system-wide partnership allows the full educational resources of the USG to be brought to bear through these institutions in the development of the Army’s cyber warriors. We are excited about this partnership and the possibilities it creates, including adding other institutions in the future,” said Tristan Denley, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Meanwhile, as the Georgia Cyber Center continues its expansion, downtown Augusta is enjoying some renewed interest and economic development opportunities thanks to the project. In a recent interview with the Augusta Chronicle, Augusta University President Brooks Keel talked about some of those plans, both directly and indirectly related to the center. One of the most immediate needs is pretty simple, catering. With more and more events coming in, and businesses flocking to the center, food is a pretty important piece of the puzzle. But the kitchen capabilities of Augusta University can only go so far.
There are currently plans for a $94 million Riverfront at the Depot project, which would be a mixed use facility down Reynolds Street from the Cyber Center. “We are incredibly excited about what is happening just down the street (at the Depot) because that is great for Augusta, it is great for all of the businesses down here and at the same time it supports some real needs we have,” Keel said. “We really see the digital village here as being an economic driver for all of the stuff that will spring up around it on both sides of the river.”
