New National Security Agency NCAE-R Designation expands Tennessee Tech’s national security leadership
Tennessee Tech University has been awarded the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity – Research (NCAE-R) designation by the National Security Agency (NSA), a recognition that affirms the university’s leadership in advancing cybersecurity research and innovation.
The designation, awarded to Tech’s Cybersecurity Education, Research, and Outreach Center (CEROC), is granted to universities that demonstrate exceptional capability in conducting cutting-edge cybersecurity research aligned with national priorities.
Tennessee Tech already holds the NCAE-CD (Cyber Defense) designation, which highlights excellence in cybersecurity education and workforce development. The addition of the new NCAE-R designation means Tennessee Tech is now recognized for both educational leadership and research innovation.
“With its unique approach to integrating research and workforce development, CEROC has created a comprehensive ecosystem for cybersecurity talent and technology development,” said Joseph C. Slater, Ph.D., PE, dean of the College of Engineering. “The new NCAE-R designation places the university among an elite group of institutions and demonstrates that CEROC is a trusted partner in developing technologies and strategies to protect critical infrastructure, secure emerging technologies and train the next generation of cybersecurity experts.”
As a Center of Excellence, CEROC serves as a hub for innovation in areas such as cyber-physical security for power systems and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms, artificial intelligence for cyber defense, quantum networking and secure communications and advanced intrusion detection systems. CEROC’s state-of-the-art facilities and testbeds—including UAV swarm security platforms, power grid cyber-physical simulators and quantum networking labs—enable real-world experimentation and collaboration with national laboratories, industry and government agencies.
CEROC plans to pursue a third designation, the NCAE-CO (Cyber Operations) designation, which focuses on advanced technical skills for defending against sophisticated cyber threats. Achieving all three designations will position Tennessee Tech as one of the most comprehensive cybersecurity centers in the nation.
“This designation reflects Tennessee Tech’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity research that addresses real-world challenges,” said Muhammad Ismail, Ph.D., CEROC director. “Our students, faculty and research partners are working together to develop solutions that strengthen national security and prepare the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.”
For more information about Tennessee Tech’s cybersecurity programs and research initiatives, visit https://www.tntech.edu/ceroc/.