Collaboration expands faculty readiness and strengthens academic pathways in responsible AI adoption
Tampa, Fla., April 7, 2026: EC-Council, a global credentialing body in cybersecurity and AI education and industry certifications, today announced a joint faculty development initiative with the University of West Florida (UWF) Center for Cybersecurity and AI to advance academic readiness in artificial intelligence program leadership.
“Artificial intelligence is becoming the operating layer of modern organizations. What remains limited is not access, but the ability to lead it with clarity and accountability. That responsibility begins in the classroom. When educators move beyond theory to applied understanding, they shape how AI is implemented, evaluated, and governed in real environments. Our collaboration with the University of West Florida is focused on preparing leaders who can translate AI into measurable outcomes and guide its use with responsibility,” said Jay Bavisi, Group President, EC-Council.
The three-day program, centered on EC-Council’s newly launched Certified Artificial Intelligence Program Manager (CAIPM) certification, convened faculty from National Centers of Academic Excellence (NCAE) institutions across the United States. The initiative was designed to equip educators with structured frameworks and applied knowledge to lead and manage AI initiatives across academic and enterprise environments.
The program drew strong national participation, with 106 faculty members representing 60 NCAE-designated institutions across 27 states. As part of the initiative, participants received full scholarships covering course materials, instructional resources, and certification exam vouchers, reinforcing a shared commitment to expanding access to applied AI education.
Delivered by Certified EC-Council Instructor Kevin King, the training emphasized practical application, including aligning AI initiatives with organizational strategy, governance, risk management, and measurable outcomes.
The initiative was developed in collaboration with Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, Associate Vice President of the UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI. The University of West Florida continues to distinguish itself as a national leader in cybersecurity and AI education and was among the first institutions in the United States to offer an NCAE-approved Cyber-AI Program of Study. The university was also recognized as EC-Council Academia Innovator of the Year in 2025.
Through initiatives like this, EC-Council continues to work with academic institutions and national education communities to expand faculty development, strengthen curriculum relevance, and create defined pathways for students to enter emerging AI and cybersecurity roles.
About EC-Council Academia
As an ISO/IEC 17024 accredited organization and recognized under U.S. Department of Defense 8140, EC-Council certifications are trusted globally by governments, enterprises, and academia. Through EC-Council Academia, we partner with thousands of institutions to create vibrant cybersecurity ecosystems. Students gain access to Hackerverse CTF, an immersive Capture the Flag experience that sharpens real-world skills, and our Community Platform & Mobile App, where learners connect, collaborate, and grow their professional network.
Learn more at https://www.eccouncil.org/academia
About University of West Florida
The University of West Florida (UWF) is a nationally recognized institution known for its leadership in cybersecurity education and workforce development. The UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI advances research, innovation, and educational programs that prepare students for the rapidly evolving digital landscape and has been at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into cybersecurity education. UWF is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence (NCAE), has an NCAE-approved Cyber-AI Program of Study, and leads the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program. Its Cyber-AI initiatives continue to shape the future of secure and responsible technology adoption.
