TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 4, 2024 — EC-Council recently announced its 2024 Academia award winning partners and instructors across the world that have had lasting impacts on cybersecurity education and student success. The award recipients include a diverse group of institutions and faculty, selected from over 2,000 academic institutions in over 130 countries, that provide cybersecurity education and experiential learning models.
Acknowledging Education Excellence in Cybersecurity
The EC-Council Academia division supports K-12, college, university, and other non-profit education entities with turnkey cybersecurity certification programs, cyber ranges, event engagements, and capture-the-flag (CTF) experiences to support skill development in today’s industry. Students graduating from institutions partnered with the EC-Council Academia program have opportunities to become certified and participant in cyber competitions to enhance their resume as they seek gainful employment post-graduation.
The EC-Council Academia division is partnered with many of the leading cybersecurity programs, including over 200 of the National Centers for Academic Excellence (or NCAEs), who implement standards and frameworks for course and skill development, along with experiential learning through CTFs, summer camps, clubs, community outreach, and student interest groups. EC-Council’s Academia Partner program supports the faculty and employees of these institutions, with a focus on establishing academic ecosystems of cybersecurity education. Earlier this year, the Academia division also announced an initiative that provides 15 million dollars in academic cybersecurity scholarships for U.S. citizens, in partnership with the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD), to enable cross domain, entry-level skill development.
The 2024 award-winning institutions include:
Academia Partner of the Year Award winners:
Sup de Vinci (EUROPE)
The Open University (EUROPE)
University of Jeddah (IMEA)
University of Phoenix (USA)
Vellore Institute of Technology (IMEA)
Academia Circle of Excellence Award winners:
Adventist University of Central Africa (IMEA)
Al Ain University (IMEA)
Al-Khaleej Training Educations (IMEA)
Deakin University (OCEANIA)
ECPI University (USA)
Educ8Africa (IMEA)
Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia (INDONESIA)
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IMEA)
Institute of Applied Technology (IMEA)
JECRC University (IMEA)
Miami Dade College (USA)
Ngee Ann Polytechnic (APAC)
PSB Academy Pte Ltd (APAC)
Purdue University Northwest (USA)
Southern University at New Orleans (USA)
Strathmore University (IMEA)
Wake Technical Community College (USA)
Academia Best Newcomer of the Year Award winners:
Academy of Learning Company (IMEA)
Chalapathi Institute of Engineering (IMEA)
ESME (EUROPE)
Escuela de Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones – ESTIC (LATAM)
IGNIT People (EUROPE)
Inha University in Tashkent (APAC)
IW School (IMEA)
Laurentian University (CANADA)
MIT World Peace University (IMEA)
National Forensic Sciences University (IMEA)
Royal Air Force (EUROPE)
University of Doha for Science and Technology (IMEA)
Woosuk University (APAC)
Academia Innovator of the Year Award winner:
Innovation Outpost (USA)
The 2024 award-winning instructors include:
Academia Instructor of the Year Award winners:
Dr. Ervin Frenzel – University of North Texas (USA)
Jhon Arango – Universidad Católica de Manizales (LATAM)
Kelvin Wu – PSB Academy Pte Ltd (APAC)
Mevlut Serkan Tok – MEBS Okulu ve Egitim Merkezi Komutanligi (EUROPE)
Academia Instructor Circle of Excellence winners:
Anggi Rifa Pradana – Synergy Academy (INDONESIA)
Dr. Elizabeth Rasnick – University of West Florida (USA)
Dr. Nelly Delessy – Miami Dade College (USA)
Dr. Yoohwan Kim – University of Nevada Las Vegas (USA)
Dheyaaldin Alsalman – Dar Al-Hekma University (IMEA)
Gene Vangampelaere – Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen (EUROPE)
Jack Ng Went Yew – PSB Academy Pte Ltd (APAC)
Jeremy Green – RAF & Burton and South Derbyshire College (EUROPE)
Lee Philip Campbell – Open University (EUROPE)
Mohd Abdul Rahim Khan – Majmaah University (IMEA)
Muhammad Atif Rafi Chowhan – Institute of Applied Technology (IMEA)
Rami Salahieh – Ivy Tech Community College (USA)
Roque Hernández – Universidad Casa Grande (LATAM)
Ron Austin – Birmingham City University (EUROPE)
Tan Boon Leing – PSB Academy Pte Ltd (APAC)
Thomas (Tony) Brown – Forsyth Technical Community College (USA)
Warren Earle – Solent University (EUROPE)
William Williams – Course-Net Indonesia Academy (INDONESIA)
Wong Ding Jie – Training Vision Institute (APAC)
Yoshiaki Maeda – OCA College of Design & IT (JAPAN)
Zulkifli Bin Jalil – PSB Academy Pte Ltd (APAC)
What Our Award Recipients Have to Say:
“We are deeply honored to receive the 2024 Academia Partner of the Year Award from EC-Council,” states Kathryn Uhles, Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology. “Our Associate Dean, J.L. Graff, has worked hard to deepen our unwavering commitment to our students, most of whom are working adult learners. For the past five years, the EC-Council has recognized us for academic excellence and our continuous innovation in equipping students with the skills needed to pursue their career goals. We are grateful for this new recognition and excited to continue providing our students with career-relevant education in cybersecurity and information technology.”
J.L. Graff
Associate Dean, College of Business & Information Technology
“University of Jeddah is thrilled to share that the Department of Cybersecurity is the winner of 2024 EC-Council Academia Partner of the Year Award. In line with the Kingdom’s vision 2030 and our university’s mission, we are dedicated towards becoming a center of excellence in cybersecurity. To achieve this strategic goal, we have partnered with the EC-Council to provide our students with top-notch education and training. Our curriculum is designed to incorporate the latest tools and technologies in the field. We are dedicated to nurture and develop the best generation of future cybersecurity professionals. We strive to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to excel in this rapidly evolving field. Together, we are shaping the future of cybersecurity!”
Dr. Abdulwahab Ali Almazroi
Dean of the College of Computer Science and Engineering
“I find it great to work with a partner organization that gets it, real technicians need real training, not simulations. It is awesome to have tools such as so many of the EC Council labs which are available to assist my students in obtaining hands on skills with follow on certification testing in a live environment. I feel confident releasing my students into the workforce knowing the first time they do a task; it will not be at their employers’ workplace. They will have worked through problems and mastered tasks as part of a dedicated curriculum.”
Dr. Ervin Frenzel
Undergraduate Cybersecurity Program Coordinator, Clinical Associate Professor
“Para la especialización en ciberseguridad de la Universidad Católica de Manizales el apoyo de EC-Council ha agregado valor académico a la misma, lo que permite que tanto estudiantes como egresados tengan opciones a realizar certificaciones internacionales de gran trayectoria.”
Jhon Arango
Director Especialización Ciberseguridad
“On behalf of ECPI University, we are honored and deeply grateful to receive the 2024 Academic Circle of Excellence Award from EC-Council. This prestigious recognition underscores our commitment to excellence in cybersecurity education and the success of our students, who continuously strive to meet the highest industry standards.”
Dr. Keith Morneau
Dean of Computer and Information Science
“I accept this prestigious award on behalf of the SUNO Chancellor, students, faculty, and staff. The Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Cybersecurity Bachelor of Science (B.S.) is a cutting-edge program and the only one in Louisiana. The program was designed to ensure that students receive the knowledge and skills expected by the employer – the SUNO B.S. Cybersecurity curriculum is in alignment with the Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework).” Since starting in the Fall of 2023, the SUNO B.S. Cybersecurity has grown enrollment by over 300%.”
Dr. Kenneth Williams
Director of Cybersecurity
“PNW is very proud to receive the EC-Council: 2024 Academia Circle of Excellence Award, which is the second time PNW has received the same award in the last two years. Being recognized by EC-Council demonstrates our excellence in cybersecurity education thanks to our dedicated, hardworking faculty. Our partnership with EC-Council in cybersecurity education helps the gap of workforce shortage and enhances the learning experience and credentials of our students.”
Chuck DeCastro
Lecturer, Computer Information Technology
“We are honored to accept EC-Council’s 2024 Academia Circle of Excellence Award, a recognition that underscores Wake Technical Community College’s dedication to cybersecurity education. This prestigious award recognizes our commitment to developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. It also celebrates the invaluable partnership we have with EC-Council, which has greatly enriched our program and students’ learning experiences.
Wake Tech’s Cybersecurity Department, led by Department Head Anthony Lucas and a team of eight dedicated faculty members, Jon Armke, Barbara Warner, Sandellyo Kauba, Elijah Kauba, Chris James, Bishop Ransom, Matthew Wood, and adjunct faculty Kenneth Treimann, prepares students with essential skills in penetration testing, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and network security. In addition, our students gain experience in cloud computing, operating systems, and programming fundamentals. This curriculum design ensures a well-rounded foundation in cybersecurity. Through courses such as our CCT 121 – Computer Crime Investigations and CCT 240 – Data Recovery Techniques, we prepare students to pursue the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certification. Additionally, our CCT 250 – Network Vulnerabilities I and CCT 251 – Network Vulnerabilities II courses equip them for the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification.
Being one of five institutions in North America to receive this award highlights the outstanding impact of our program and the shared commitment between Wake Tech and EC-Council to advance cybersecurity skills. We are grateful for this recognition and look forward to further strengthening our partnership as we continue to support and inspire our students on their journeys into cybersecurity.”
Anthony Lucas
Department Head – Cybersecurity
“The EC-Council – AUCA partnership has provided us with an opportunity to train our students and make them more competitive. We have always appreciated the support given to us and the various certification offerings available to us at the moment. Being the university selected for 2024 EC-Council Academia Circle of Excellence Award gives us immense courage to do even more than we have been doing. Let the partnership continue to flourish and reach greater heights.”
Mananiraho Laurent
Head of Department
“On behalf of the entire faculty, staff, and students of the College of Computer Science and Information Technology (CCSIT) at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), it is with great pride and gratitude that we accept the prestigious award from EC-Council at the Global Awards 2024.
This recognition is not only a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in education, but also a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire academic community. At CCSIT, we strive to provide a dynamic and innovative learning environment, equipping our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving fields of cybersecurity and information technology.
We are particularly honored to be acknowledged by EC-Council, a global leader in cybersecurity training and certification. Their partnership has been invaluable in ensuring our students are prepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex digital world. This award reaffirms our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of academic excellence, research innovation, and professional development.
As we continue to build on this achievement, we remain dedicated to advancing the field of cybersecurity education, empowering our students to become leaders and pioneers in the technology-driven world.
We extend our sincere gratitude to EC-Council, our partner in success, for this recognition and to all those who have supported us in our mission. This award serves as both a milestone and an inspiration as we continue our journey toward shaping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals”
Dr. Khalid Adnan Alissa
Dean, College of Computer Science and Information Technology (CCSIT)
“JECRC University apprehends that the changing technology dynamics in the industry leads to new risks and thus, in order to keep this internet age well-ordered and the data, finances, and intellectual property safe, Cyber Security and its education has become a vital component. JECRC University is committed to rigorously train students in this field and make a difference in the Cyber Security workforce. Through our partnership with EC Council USA, the students at JECRC University can choose to undergo certifications from a bouquet of contemporary courses in the domain of Cyber Security.”
Mr. Arpit Agrawal
Vice Chairperson
“Ngee Ann Polytechnic is honored to receive the 2024 Academia Circle of Excellence award. This attests to our commitment to offering high-quality cybersecurity education that stands our learners in good stead for successful careers, while developing a talent pipeline that strengthens our resilience in the digital age.”
Dr. Joel Yang
Director of School of InfoComm Technology
“Laurentian University is offering high-valued courses in security in the MSc Computational Science program and it appreciates the lab support by EC-Council providing valuable software tools to the students in getting the practical training.”
Kalpdrum Passi
Professor
School of Engineering and Computer Science
“Ignít is honored to receive the EC-Council Academia Best Newcomer Award, reflecting our team’s dedication to excellence in IT training. This recognition highlights the success of Ignít’s partnership with EC-Council in empowering IT talent and driving innovation to meet the highest industry standards.”
Luís Inácio
Training Client Manager
“University of Doha for Science and Technology is proud to be recognized with the 2024 EC-Council Academia Best Newcomer Award. This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering excellence in cybersecurity education and promoting innovation that equips our students to excel in an ever-evolving digital landscape. We are honored to collaborate with EC-Council and continue empowering our students with industry-leading skills and certifications.”
Dr. Zakaria Maamar
Dean of College of Computing and Information Technology
“We are deeply honored to receive this global recognition. This award reflects our steadfast dedication to empowering students with the skills needed to thrive in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.”
Dr. M. Chandra Sekhar
Principal
“This award is a proud moment for the entire CIET family. It reaffirms our vision of providing world-class education and equipping our students with industry-ready skills. The Academia Best Newcomer award by EC-Council is a testament to the collective efforts of our faculty and students. We will continue to foster initiatives that shape the future leaders of cybersecurity.”
Mr. Y. V. Anjaneyulu
Chairman
“This recognition was made possible by the relentless efforts of management, faculty, and students. Their contributions have set new benchmarks in technical education, and we remain committed to raising the bar further.”
Mr. Y. Sujit
Secretary & Correspondent
“Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University is thrilled to share that the department of Computer Engineering and Technology is the winner of “Academia Best Newcomer 2024” award from EC- Council. MIT World Peace University, Pune, is proudly associated with EC-Council, a globally recognized leader in the cybersecurity domain. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing cutting-edge education that is aligned with industry needs and the rapidly evolving technological landscape. This collaboration aligns perfectly with MIT-WPU’s mission of nurturing students into competent professionals equipped to make a difference in the world. I am confident this association will create immense value for all stakeholders and elevate MIT-WPU to new heights in the field of cybersecurity education. Let us embrace this opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication, as we pave the way for a safer and more secure digital future.”
Dr. B. M. Patil
Professor & Program Director, Department of Computer Engineering & Technology
“This notable award demonstrates that we have made significant progress toward creating a cyber workforce ecosystem for the Panhandle. As we continue to work toward achieving a National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designation, I commend our faculty and staff who have been instrumental in developing innovative solutions for our cybersecurity training needs.
One of the main goals we have for the Innovation Outpost is to become the tech upskill training solution for our region, the venue for engaging thought leaders to troubleshoot and forecast employers’ tech needs, and the vehicle through which we further develop a talent pipeline and accelerate our current tech programming.”
Dr. Frank Sobey, Amarillo College’s Vice President of Academic Affairs
“Personal growth and human development are intertwined with technical learning. Our innovations are largely focused on meeting the needs of those we serve. The idea is to mimic the workplace environment as much as possible.
We present real scenarios without sugar-coating how hard it is to compete in a field such as technology. The 2-3 times a week for 2-3 hours after working hours has worked well for us, similar to the MBA model, in which we are not so much teaching traditional students but busy professionals and professionals wanting to upskill or reskill.
We put them in the driver’s seat of the learning process; we are just here to facilitate the process.”
Argenis (A.J.) Cunha
Cybersecurity Learning and Technology Specialist
Dr. Nelly Delessy-Gassant (Associate Professor)
Miami Dade College (USA)
“I am deeply honored to be recognized for the 2024 Academic Instructor Circle of Excellence award. Through our collaboration with EC-Council, we have elevated our cybersecurity curriculum, providing students with industry-aligned, practical training and fostering an adversarial mindset essential for tackling real-world cybersecurity challenges. This award is a testament to the incredible community of learners and educators at Miami Dade College, and I am proud to be part of this vital educational mission.”
Dr. Yoohwan Kim (Professor – Computer Science)
University of Nevada Las Vegas (USA)
“I am really honored to receive this prestigious award. While teaching our students cybersecurity, I was impressed with all the support from EC-Council including its material, labs, CTF, certification, and special pricing for our students were all excellent. I believe EC-Council offers a great value in cybersecurity education.”
Thomas (Tony) Brown (Department Chair – Business Information Technology)
Forsyth Technical Community College (USA)
“I am honored to receive the 2024 Academic Instructor Circle of Excellence award. This recognition highlights the dedication and expertise of me and my team of instructors, who work tirelessly to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills essential for their future careers in cybersecurity. Our collective goal is to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application, ensuring that students are well-prepared to tackle industry challenges.”
Dr. Elizabeth Rasnick (Assistant Professor)
University of West Florida (USA)
“I am truly honored to receive the EC-Council Academia Instructor Circle of Excellence Award. This recognition is a testament not only to my efforts but also to the incredible dedication of my students and colleagues. My goal has always been to prepare students for the challenges of the cybersecurity field, and this recognition inspires me to continue fostering a collaborative and engaging learning environment.
One of my core beliefs is that every student has unique strengths and difficulties. I strive to create a supportive and engaging learning environment, enhancing outstanding curriculum with personalized guidance. I aim to provide individualized support that empowers each learner to thrive in such a dynamic field. The importance of tailored education cannot be overstated, especially in a discipline as complex and rapidly evolving as cybersecurity. I am grateful for the opportunity to work closely with my students, helping them develop the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in their careers.
Thank you to the EC-Council for this prestigious award and for recognizing the vital role educators play in shaping the future of cybersecurity. Together, we can continue to inspire and equip the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.”
Roque Hernández (Academic Coordinator for Master’s Programs in IT)
Universidad Casa Grande (LATAM)
“It is an honor to accept this award from EC-Council. The Universidad Casa Grande ventured into the arena of technical master programs starting with cybersecurity. We were fortunate to find EC-Council as a partner to give our program a very practical dimension. We have since updated our curriculum to include 3 different certification courses as an integral part of our master’s degree program. This allows our students to get the management and strategic vision with our professors, along with the technical and practical skills from EC-Council. The iLabs platform is a fantastic way to safely stretch the practical scenarios that a student can practice with during the program. We appreciate the support and constant expansion and updating that EC-Council performs on the courses to keep them always current. We look forward to strengthening our alliance and continuing to make our region a safer cyber space.”
Mohd Abdul Rahim Khan (Assistant Professor in Cybersecurity)
Majmaah University (IMEA)
“I am truly honored to receive the 2024 EC-Council Academia Instructor (CEI) Circle of Excellence Award. This recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the dedication and passion shared by my students, colleagues, and the entire academic community. As a cybersecurity instructor, my mission has always been to empower the next generation with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate and protect the digital world. This award motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of education, integrating new technologies, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity excellence. I’m grateful to be part of a global network of educators committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity and making a positive impact on both local and global communities.”
Gene Vangampelaere (Lecturer)
Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen (EUROPE)
“I am proud and honored to be recognized with the prestigious 2024 EC-Council Academia Instructor (CEI) Circle of Excellence Award. This recognition highlights my unwavering dedication and expertise in advancing cybersecurity education and making a meaningful impact on students and the community.
This award underscores our commitment to developing a future-proof cybersecurity curriculum in collaboration with EC-Council, ensuring our students are equipped to address the ever-evolving challenges in the digital world. Together with EC-Council, we continue to strive for excellence in education, empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.”
Dr. Dheyaaldin AlSalman (Assistant Professor)
Dar Al-Hekma University (IMEA)
“Dar Alhekma University is thrilled to partner with EC-Council Academia, bringing valuable resources that elevate our students’ learning experience. The enhanced instructor materials have transformed our teaching, creating a more engaging and impactful classroom environment.”
About EC-Council Academia
EC-Council, the inventor of Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification course and exam, has a mission to provide Cybersecurity education and certifications to students across the world to prepare them for their future careers. Founded in 2001, EC-Council offers over 200 different training programs and certifications – ranging from End-User Security to highly technical Penetration Testing to Information Security Management, and many other tactical courses. Recognized under the U.S. Department of Defense 8140 and an ISO/IEC 17024 Accredited Organization, EC-Council holds these and many other distinctions and accreditations by prestigious agencies worldwide – making EC-Council’s certification programs highly desirable and valued within the cybersecurity global communities.
The EC-Council Academia partner program offers a free partnership opportunities to academic institutions globally. These partnerships establish cybersecurity ecosystems through education that support students, alumni, faculty, employees, and the local communities at large. Through established partnerships, academic institutions can access extensive discounts on learning resources, technologies, and certifications, offering students opportunities to obtain stackable credentials to become more competitive as they enter the workforce. The program also focuses on initiating faculty development, scholarships, and cyber competitions. To date, EC-Council supports over of 2,000 education networks and institutions globally. EC-Council Academia works with academic institutions at all levels, including over 250 National Centers of Academic Excellences (N-CAEs) as designated by the National Security Agency, contributing to certify tens of thousands of students annually with industry-leading credentials. For more information on EC-Council Academia, please visit www.eccouncil.org/academia.
