About the Center for Security Studies
At present, UMGC has produced more than 11,500 cybersecurity graduates, with more than 17,300 undergraduate and graduate cyber students currently enrolled. As UMGC is designated by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, CSS is committed to adhering to the mission for CAE designation, which includes
- Establishing standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence
- Emphasizing competency development among students and faculty
- Valuing community outreach and leadership in professional development
- Integrating cybersecurity practice within the institution and across academic disciplines
- Actively engaging in solutions to challenges facing cybersecurity education
Looking back, it has been a pleasure to work with the Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program directors, staff, and faculty to write proposals and to be awarded funds for student scholarship, cybersecurity faculty, and laboratory capacity building.
The center has supported community outreach through DHS presentations, tours and visits, and the celebration of Cybersecurity Awareness Month with major in-person and virtual conference events from 2015 to 2020. On our website, you can find video excerpts of presentations by an impressive list of public- and private-sector representatives, including CISOs, White House officials, professors, and students. We have welcomed record turnouts of both students and professionals at these events and received excellent reviews. The teamwork to make these events successful has been phenomenal.
I appreciate your trust and support as I work to fulfill the duties of this office. I have a strong commitment to our CSS and cybersecurity programs' missions and a passion for providing opportunities and activities to deserving students and underrepresented persons seeking careers in the cybersecurity arena. UMGC's efforts reach the post-secondary community. We have expanded our support of being sure cybersecurity is essential to our K-12 community in support of the Maryland State Department of Education Computer Science Curriculum Committee and the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education. Our organization is vibrant and healthy, not because of any one individual, but rather due to our group of cybersecurity faculty and staff who are willing and ready to serve.
Core Faculty and Staff
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Lawrence J. AwuahLawrence J. Awuah is a Collegiate Professor at UMGC.
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Helen BarkerHelen Barker is the Department Chair of Cybersecurity at UMGC.
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S. K. Bhaskar, PhDActing Dean, School of Cybersecurity and Information Technology
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Bruce deGraziaBruce deGrazia is the Program Chair for Cybersecurity Management and Policy at UMGC.
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Jennifer HullAdministrative Coordinator, Center for Security Studies
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Loyce PailenLoyce Pailen has extensive work experience in information technology and cybersecurity in both the public and private sectors.
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Manish PatelManish Patel earned a master's degree from Mercer University and a bachelor's degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
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Jason M. Pittman, PhDLearn about Jason Pittman's experience in cybersecurity.
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James RobertsonJames Robertson joined University of Maryland Global Campus in 2001 after serving as a principal consultant at Oracle.
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Rony ThakurPortfolio Director for Cybersecurity Management and Policy
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Jesse VarsaloneJesse Varsalone earned his Master's degree from the University of South Florida, and his bachelor's degree from George Mason University.
Cybersecurity Advisory Board
The Center for Security Studies has reconvened the Cybersecurity Advisory Board, an external board of advisors made up of local and national industry professionals, faculty from other institutions, and other figures in the cybersecurity field. The board will provide a connection between UMGC's cybersecurity programs and the broader cybersecurity community.
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John AbelesWith more than 30 years of experience, Abeles specializes in infrastructure security, cybersecurity, privacy protection, and process improvement.
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Shannon Beck, PhDShannon Beck, PhD, is a faculty member in the Computer and Cyber Sciences department at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA).
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Marc FruchtbaumMarc Fruchtbaum is an active strategic information security professional with a passion for threat hunting and resolution.
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Frank J. GrimmelmannFrank Grimmelmann serves as President and CEO of the Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance (ACTRA), a nonprofit developed by the Arizona InfraGard Program, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and law enforcement.
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Clay HouseClay House has over 34 years of professional IT experience. He spent the first 17 years of his career with Weyerhaeuser, where he held a variety of positions covering virtually all functions of IT.
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Ray LetteerRay A. Letteer, D.Sc, is currently the Deputy, Compliance Branch/Cybersecurity (ICC/CY) in the Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Division (IC4), Deputy Commandant – Information (DC I), Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
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Dr. Tiffany TremontDr. Tiffany Tremont is the president and CEO of Silotech Group, Inc. Her experience in the IT industry spans more than two decades and includes roles in both the public and private sectors.
