Montreat College Named National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education

September 5, 2017

The esteemed National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have officially recognized Montreat College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. This milestone makes Montreat College the inaugural institution within the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) to achieve this honor and ranks among only four-year institutions in North Carolina to receive such distinction.

Per the official notification, Montreat College's exceptional capacity to address evolving program requirements positions it as a critical contributor to safeguarding the nation's digital infrastructure. As highlighted in the announcement, "The United States maintains a profound obligation to protect its fundamental national assets and guiding principles—a mission that hinges on robust cybersecurity defenses. Education remains paramount in cultivating the next generation of defenders."

Over recent years, Montreat College has solidified its reputation as a regional authority in cybersecurity education. The institution provides both traditional classroom and virtual undergraduate pathways while annually hosting the acclaimed RETR3AT Cybersecurity Symposium each autumn. The upcoming 2017 symposium will occur October 27, featuring keynote address by Max Everett, Chief Information Officer at the U.S. Department of Energy. Students engage in hands-on training within a Cybersecurity Operations Teaching Lab designed to mirror professional environments, made possible through partnerships including Mission Health—dedicated to cultivating technically proficient yet ethically grounded cybersecurity professionals.

"This national acknowledgment validates Montreat College's transformative impact on cybersecurity pedagogy," stated President Paul J. Maurer. "Cybersecurity transcends mere technology—it fundamentally concerns human behavior and moral responsibility. Our approach integrates technical mastery with unwavering ethical commitment, preparing graduates to confront contemporary threats. Collaboration with the NSA and DHS represents a pivotal step toward addressing our nation's most pressing digital vulnerabilities."

Official certification ceremonies will occur during the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Conference November 7-8, 2017, held in Dayton, Ohio.