Courtesy of Saint Augustine’s University
Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) has signed Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) Cybersecurity memorandum of understanding to participate in Student Freedom Initiative’s HBCU Capacity Building Effort.
Student Freedom Initiative, along with its strategic partnerships with Cisco, will work to address the digital divide faced by the nation’s HBCUs. The services provided will be at no cost to HBCUs.
“This is an exciting time for Saint Augustine’s University,” said SAU President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “This partnership advances our position by giving our students the core competencies and a secure, newly improved technological infrastructure necessary to prepare them for global leadership.”
Student Freedom Initiative and Cisco are well-positioned to lead HBCUs through the process of implementing enhanced cybersecurity frameworks. Under this program, Saint Augustine’s will lower its risk of cyber-attacks and position itself to take advantage of new opportunities that will close the digital divide.
“Becoming a part of the SFI’s HBCU Capacity Building Effort is a major step towards advancing Dr. McPhail’s strategic initiatives related to Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (ST(R)E(A)M),” said Dr. Terry Kidd, Vice President of Strategic Planning, Research, Technology & Innovation. “In a rapidly changing higher education landscape, partnership such as these plays a critical role in expanding our digital infrastructure to innovate our learning ecosystem for the success of our students.”
Cisco is donating more than $100 million in software and services to help HBCUs comply with NIST standards. Additionally, Cisco Networking Academy, an industry-standard IT education program, will be available to all HBCUs. This program will help ensure HBCU students and staff access relevant cybersecurity training and workforce development material.
“Collectively, Student Freedom Initiative and Cisco will bring meaningful, sustained, and measurable opportunities to advance the HBCU ecosystem,” added Keith B. Shoates, chief operating officer of Student Freedom Initiative.
Cybersecurity challenges and the ability to adequately keep pace with technological advancements are significant concerns in higher education.
