At CISA Cybersecurity Summit, Valdez Tells Wider World: Look to CSU Pueblo for Qualified Employees

When CSU Pueblo President Armando Valdez addressed the attendees at today's CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) Career Summit his message was clear: for agencies and employers seeking top-tier cybersecurity talent, CSU Pueblo is the place to look. This assertion comes at a crucial time when the nation faces an unprecedented demand for cybersecurity professionals, and the Biden administration is pushing for expanded access to cyber education and training.

CSU Pueblo: Punching Above Its Weight in Cybersecurity Excellence

“We heard Director Jen Easterly of CISA talk (by video recording) about wanting to seek diverse talent, and isn't that what we highlight here at CSU Pueblo? Diversity is our strength,” Valdez said before praising the the university's position in the cybersecurity education landscape and employment within the federal government agencies. “Our students receive the best training here, making them prime candidates for high-paying careers in this critical field.”

What makes CSU Pueblo's achievement even more remarkable is the context of its funding. Roberto Mejias, a key figure in CSU Pueblo's cybersecurity program, points out the program’s struggle competing for funding against larger schools. “We receive about $6.5 million in funding, while some of our colleagues at other institutions get $85 million.” Despite this discrepancy, CSU Pueblo has managed to produce top-caliber professionals, with its cybersecurity team ranking #1 and #3 in the Spring 2024 National Cyber League (NCL) cybersecurity competition.

NSA Designation: A Mark of Superior Training

During the opening remarks, Mejias discussed the program's merits and talked about having students from diverse majors like sociology. “We are an NSA-designated institution. That means we've applied for and met the National Security Agency's rigorous program requirements. Less than 8% of universities in the US have an NSA designation,” Mejias said.

This prestigious designation, part of the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program, signals to employers that CSU Pueblo graduates are equipped with top-tier skills and knowledge.

Aligning with National Cyber Workforce Expansion Strategies

The success of CSU Pueblo's cybersecurity program aligns with recent national initiatives. The Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) has developed the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy (NCWES) to address what it calls a “national security and economic imperative.”

This strategy meets President Biden's call in the 2023 National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCS) for ONCD to develop a plan to expand the national cyber workforce, increase its diversity, and broaden access to cyber education and training. President Biden emphasized the importance of this initiative in a White House statement saying, “Building and maintaining a strong cyber workforce cannot be achieved unless a cybersecurity career is within reach for any capable American who wishes to pursue it and every organization with an unfilled position plays a part in training the next generation of cybersecurity talent.”

National Cyber Director Harry Coker, Jr. also stated in the press release that there was value in getting as many students interested and involved in cybersecurity education.

“The only way we can defend the digital systems that lay the foundation for our modern way of life is to be sure that every American and people from every community have a pathway into a cyber-based career.”

While CSU Pueblo's cybersecurity program has achieved remarkable success with limited resources, it's worth noting the broader context of cybersecurity funding in the United States. The CHIPS Act, signed into law in August 2022, includes provisions for bolstering the nation's cybersecurity workforce.

CISA's Quest for Diverse Talent Leads to CSU Pueblo

Llauryn Iglehart, Chief of the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility at CISA, introduced Valdez by explaining why agencies like CISA are turning to institutions like CSU Pueblo. “At CISA, we believe meaningful careers begin with meaningful connections.” Said Iglehart. “The work we do has a profound impact on society, and we need diverse, well-trained professionals to meet these challenges.”

The CyberWolves: Proof of CSU Pueblo's Cybersecurity Prowess

President Valdez proudly pointed to the university's nationally ranked cybersecurity team, the CyberWolves, as evidence of the program's quality garnering a round of applause from attendees. “Our CyberWolves have been ranked as high as #3 nationally among university and high school cybersecurity teams,” Valdez said. “They've secured 1st and 3rd place finishes in recent competitions.”

The summit brought together not only CISA division leaders but also industry giants like Matt Springer (CSD) Isabel Valez of NRMC. The one-day event is meant for students and faculty to engage with agencies to discuss career development and workforce readiness.

Valdez noted that people were beginning to recognize “our students are not just academically prepared, but also have the practical skills needed to hit the ground running in high-stakes cybersecurity roles.”

Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity Recruitment

As the cybersecurity summit concludes, one thing is clear: CSU Pueblo has positioned itself as a key player in shaping the future of cybersecurity education and recruitment. With its commitment to diversity, strong academic programs, competitive cybersecurity team, and the backing of federal agencies like CISA, CSU Pueblo is doing more than participating in cybersecurity education – it's leading the charge.