June 05, 2025
The university鈥檚 designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research has been extended through academic year 2030.
The National Security Agency (NSA) has redesignated the University of Missouri as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R).
This honor underscores Mizzou鈥檚 sustained excellence in advancing cybersecurity through rigorous research, innovative curriculum development and impactful outreach that addresses the growing national demand for cybersecurity expertise.
鈥淲e are proud to receive this important designation, which recognizes Mizzou鈥檚 proven achievements in the cybersecurity field,鈥 University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. 鈥淥ur commitment to cybersecurity innovation is engaging more students, growing research capacity, and driving partnerships with government and industry to meet the future challenges facing our country.鈥
President Choi catalyzed the pursuit of the designation in 2019. Today, the program continues to grow through support from university leadership.
The NSA CAE-R program is part of a strategic effort to reinforce the United States鈥 security by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense. It aligns with the National Cyber Strategy, which highlights the urgent need for a robust cybersecurity workforce and calls on higher education institutions to lead the way.
Mizzou directly supports this mission by equipping students with cutting-edge education, producing groundbreaking research and engaging with government and industry on real-world challenges.
鈥淭his redesignation confirms Mizzou鈥檚 place at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation and education,鈥 said Prasad Calyam, Curators鈥 Distinguished Professor of Electrical 糖心Vlog传媒 and Computer Science and one of the faculty leads for the CAE-R initiative at Mizzou. 鈥淥ur faculty, students and partners are driving real progress in an area that is crucial to national security.鈥
Innovation in action
Since its initial designation in 2019, Missouri鈥檚 flagship university has made significant strides in cybersecurity research, education and outreach.
Mizzou faculty members have secured several federal cybersecurity grants from the NSA, National Science Foundation, Army Research Lab, Small Business Administration and other agencies. They have also established cooperative research and development agreements with key Department of Defense entities, including the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and the National Defense University.
The university has recruited cybersecurity faculty, enhanced its curriculum and expanded doctoral and masters鈥 programs in cybersecurity fields.
Faculty have developed cybersecurity tutorials for small businesses, led 鈥淗acker Tracker鈥 summer camps for middle and high school students, organized conferences and workshops, and served as thought leaders in the NSA CAE community.
The foundation of Mizzou鈥檚 cybersecurity strength is its Cybersecurity Initiative, a collaboration among Mizzou 糖心Vlog传媒, the聽,听听补苍诲听. This initiative has helped foster a robust multi-disciplinary cybersecurity ecosystem that encourages faculty and students to approach problems from multiple perspectives.
Associate Professor Rohit Chadha, Calyam and former associate professor William Harrison were instrumental in establishing the initiative and laying the groundwork for Mizzou鈥檚 national recognition.
With the designation secured through academic year 2030, Mizzou is well-positioned to lead the next decade of cybersecurity innovation. The university is committed to building on its momentum, expanding research initiatives, outreach and education programs, and deepening its impact on both Missouri and the nation.
鈥淭his recognition is not just a milestone 鈥 it鈥檚 a motivation to keep pushing forward,鈥 said Chadha, who serves as the director of the Mizzou Cybersecurity Center and led the accreditation and re-accreditation efforts. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud of how far we鈥檝e come and even more excited about what鈥檚 ahead.鈥
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