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Professor with a Purpose

Showcasing student projects and insights in cybersecurity education through innovation, research, and more.

Cybersecurity Activities 2025 - 2026!

It all starts and ends with the students!!!! Highlighting field trips that help to support and differentiate superior programs in the Tillman School of Business.

CISCO - October 3, 2025

Cisco Systems' Research Triangle Park (RTP) campus in North Carolina is one of the company's largest global sites, employing around 5,000 people and serving as a major hub for networking innovation, customer support engineering, advanced labs, and technology development.

A field trip to Cisco's RTP facility was a great experience for business students, providing hands-on insight into how a global technology leader drives digital transformation, manages large-scale operations, and integrates strategy with cutting-edge innovation in a collaborative ecosystem like the Research Triangle. Students gained practical understanding of business models in the tech sector, global supply chains, and corporate culture, while directly experiencing the critical importance of cybersecurity and technology—seeing how Cisco builds secure networking infrastructure, deploys zero-trust architectures, and develops solutions that protect organizations from evolving digital threats in today's interconnected world.

UTHR - September 25, 2025

United Therapeutics Corporation (UTHR) is a biotechnology company structured as a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) with a mission to develop therapies for rare diseases especially pulmonary arterial hypertension) and advance organ transplantation technologies.

A field trip to United Therapeutics was highly valuable for business students, offering a real-world look at how a mission-driven PBC blends commercial success with social impact, vertical integration in biotech, and long-term strategic thinking in a high-stakes industry. Students could observe unique governance models, cross-functional operations (from R&D to manufacturing and patient support), sustainable practices, and how the company leverages cutting-edge technology in areas like organ manufacturing and bioengineering while maintaining a robust, defense-in-depth cybersecurity program with dedicated leadership, board-level Audit Committee oversight, and strong data privacy practices to protect sensitive patient and R&D information.

The SAS Institute is a leading global software company headquartered in Cary, North Carolina. It specializes in advanced analytics, AI, business intelligence, data management, and cybersecurity-related solutions.

A field trip to SAS was highly valuable for college business and cybersecurity students because it connects classroom theory to real-world applications. Students see how data analytics and AI drive business decisions across industries, while learning about data governance, risk management, and secure analytics platforms. The visit also provides networking opportunities with professionals, career insights, résumé feedback, and exposure to SAS’s renowned innovative culture and work-life balance. Overall, it helps students explore internships/jobs and understand how their skills translate into high-demand roles in today’s data-driven economy.

Minuteman Cyber Cup – April 11, 2026

SaS – March 6, 2026

The Minuteman Cyber Cup hosted an in-person statewide collegiate Capture the Flag (CTF) cybersecurity competition at the Hilton Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina. Over 30 university teams from across the state participated in hands-on challenges that tested their skills in critical areas such as network defense, digital forensics, artificial intelligence, and ethical hacking. In addition, UMO cybersecurity majors participated in a Virtual Cybersecurity Competition with Kean University

This event provided cybersecurity students with far more than a competitive game. It delivered high-impact, practical benefits that significantly strengthen their professional development:

Real-world skill application: Students applied theoretical knowledge from the classroom to realistic scenarios, sharpening technical proficiency in a live, high-pressure environment that closely mirrors actual cybersecurity operations.
Hands-on experience with current tools and techniques: The challenges exposed participants to industry-relevant technologies and emerging threats, helping them stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.
Teamwork and problem-solving under pressure: Working in teams encouraged collaboration, communication, and strategic thinking—essential soft skills that complement technical expertise.
Networking opportunities: Students connected with cybersecurity professionals, industry leaders, and peers from other institutions, building valuable relationships that can lead to mentorships, internships, or future employment.
Resume enhancement and recognition: Participation and performance in a respected statewide competition demonstrate initiative, competence, and passion to potential employers, giving students a competitive edge in the job market.
Motivation and career insight: The event reinforced students’ passion for cybersecurity while offering a clear view of industry expectations and career pathways.

Virtual Cybersecurity Competition Keen University – March 20, 2026

Certification Matters

Certifications are important for instructors as disclosed by my dissertation entitled "Impact of Information Technology (IT) Industry Certification on the Achievement of High School Students Enrolled in Technology Courses," which examined whether teachers holding relevant IT industry certifications positively influence student performance in technology courses.
FOR STUDENTS, while a degree alone is strong, pairing it with 1–3 targeted certifications (ideally aligned to your desired role) typically leads to better job offers, higher starting pay, and faster advancement.

The Power of Professional Certifications in Cybersecurity

Professional certifications in cybersecurity and IT are non-degree credentials awarded by independent certifying authorities to individuals who demonstrate mastery of specific skills and knowledge. Being in the IT industry since the late 70's, I can attest that certifications are often the key differentiator that opens doors in today’s competitive technology job market.

Why Certifications Matter Certifications are essential for entry and advancement in the technology workforce. According to CompTIA, holders of certifications such as Security+ and Network+ frequently command six-figure salaries. UMO makes earning these credentials highly accessible by intentionally aligning numerous courses in the Cybersecurity Applied Computer Science program directly to respected industry certifications shown in the table below.

Additional Advantages at UMO

UMO is an authorized CompTIA Academy Partner, providing students with significant discounts of up to 50% on certification exams.
Recent curriculum enhancements bundle foundational courses (Network+ and Security+) with advanced courses to scaffold students toward higher-level certifications such as CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) and CompTIA Network Penetration Tester (CompTIA PenTest+)

Technology Complements Every Major! A cybersecurity major or minor pairs exceptionally well with virtually any field of study. Research from Burning Glass (now Lightcast, 2019) shows that digital skills create pathways to middle- and high-skill jobs across industries. Whether you are majoring in mathematics, science, education, criminal justice, accounting, business, agribusiness, or another discipline, technology and information security is integral to modern careers. For example, a cybersecurity minor will create new opportunities to accounting majors who enjoy auditing— it can be the deciding factor in landing not just a good job, but a great one!

Students across all majors can also benefit from UMO’s new interdisciplinary Excel course, which builds spreadsheet skills used in chemistry, biology, finance, accounting, management, technology, and more — while preparing students for an expert-level Microsoft Excel certification.

Bottom line: In a rapidly evolving field like cybersecurity and IT, professional certifications validate your skills to prospective employers and dramatically accelerate your career. Through its strongly aligned curriculum, CompTIA Academy Partnership, and flexible program options, UMO equips graduates to be career-ready and highly competitive.