Cyber-Security Officials Evaluate State Programs

By Susan Simpson
© The Oklahoman May 01, 2007
Reprinted with permission

Federal science, defense and law enforcement officials are visiting state colleges this week to evaluate and promote educational and workforce initiatives in cyber-security.

The National Visiting Committee for Oklahoma's Cyber Security Education Consortium met Monday with Oklahoma leaders at the state Capitol. The committee includes representatives from the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, National Security Agency and FBI. They'll also visit cyber-security programs at Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Rose State College and Oklahoma City Community College.

"Oklahoma must have a well-skilled workforce ready to meet these companies' needs," said Natalie Shirley, state Commerce and Tourism secretary.

In September 2004, the National Science Foundation awarded a $3 million grant to Oklahoma schools for cyber-security and forensics education. A consortium of colleges in Oklahoma was awarded the NSF's Advanced Technological Education Regional Center designation, which provides funds for education and workforce development programs here and in neighboring states.

Increasing efforts

The ATE Center of Excellence in Oklahoma is one of only three in the nation, aiding 30 campuses in seven states that are training about 800 students. In Oklahoma, partners include Rose State College, Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee, Tulsa Community College and nine CareerTech centers.

Sujeet Shenoi, a University of Tulsa professor of computer science, heads the educational consortium. He hopes the state will gain more grants for cyber-security efforts.

 "We need to create tens of thousands of technicians," Shenoi said. "We are trying to build an economy of it."

Job demand rises

Brian Hampton, head of information security for the Federal Aviation Administration in Oklahoma City, said cyber-security workers trained in Oklahoma are well-trained to meet workforce needs.

Five years ago, his office employed three technicians; now there are 25.

Some of those workers were trained at Rose State College, which recently was awarded a $500,000 National Science Foundation grant that will enable full scholarships for 30 students. The campus also is the only two-year college in the nation to offer all six federal certificates in information assurance and cyber security.

Malcom Fowler, director of Francis Tuttle's Portland campus in Oklahoma City, said graduates are finding jobs earning $20 per hour.

"We are meeting the needs of a new industry," he said.