UWF President Martha Saunders smiles with a UWF pin on her jacket in front of greenery

A Legacy of Growth, Excellence and Innovation: UWF President Martha D. Saunders Announces Departure

After nearly a decade of transformative leadership, University of West Florida President Dr. Martha D. Saunders announced she is leaving her post, marking the end of a chapter defined by growth, innovation and unwavering commitment to student success. “When I returned to the University of West Florida as president, it felt like coming home,” Saunders […]

Three people stand in front of a wall around a logo that reads, "Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community. One holds a plaque award in her hands.

UWF earns national recognition for cybersecurity outreach initiatives

The University of West Florida placed second in the 2024 CAE-CD Community Outreach Award Competition, which is given by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community to a CAE-Cyber Defense designated institution. The award was announced at the 2024 CAE in Cybersecurity Symposium held in Charleston, South Carolina, on April 8-10. “This national […]

Dr. Eman El-Sheikh smiles with a stole around her neck

UWF’s Dr. Eman El-Sheikh appointed by Global Council for Responsible Artificial Intelligence as Global Ambassador for the U.S.

The Global Council for Responsible Artificial Intelligence has selected Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity associate vice president, as Global Ambassador for the United States. The Global Council for Responsible AI is an international governing body committed to fostering the development of AI technologies that are ethical, secure and beneficial for […]

UWF cybersecurity student, Lousindy Mitton

UWF cybersecurity student awarded prestigious Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship

Lousindy Mitton, a graduate student in the University of West Florida’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity program, is the first student in the University’s history to be awarded the prestigious Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by The Washington Center, this highly competitive fellowship prepares future leaders […]

Four UWF professors stand side by side inside a building

Four UWF faculty members ranked among world’s Top 2% of Scientists

Four University of West Florida researchers earned a place on Stanford/Elsevier’s Top 2% Scientist Rankings lists in 2024 and 2023. The prestigious list identifies the world’s leading researchers, representing approximately 2% of all scientists worldwide.  Dr. Jim Spain, research professor in the Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation, Dr. Frank Gilliam, professor in the Department […]

Cybersecurity student works on a computer

UWF Center for Cybersecurity awarded $1.3 million contract from CISA to expand cybersecurity training

The University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity has been awarded a $1.3 million contract from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, known as CISA, to further expand the cyber career pathways training through the CyberSkills2Work Program. The in-depth training program is designed to help participants launch or advance careers in cybersecurity. “We are glad […]

UWF Center for Cybersecurity awarded $750,000 NCAE-C Grant to Lead National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Task Force

The UWF Center for Cybersecurity was awarded a $750,000 grant from the National Security Agency National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Program to lead the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Task Force. The task force will bring together the eight NCAE-C-funded workforce development programs, including CyberSkills2Work, an intensive cybersecurity education program led by UWF […]

UWF student smiling at UWF Center for Cybersecurity

UWF’s information technology program earns prestigious ABET accreditation 

The University of West Florida’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. ABET is the recognized global accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and engineering technology and is among the most respected accreditation organizations in the United States. ABET accreditation is […]

Guy Garrett is presented with a CompTIA award, alongside the presenter, both holding the award together.

UWF Center for Cybersecurity earns prestigious CompTIA award

CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the information technology industry and workforce, honored the University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity with the Pathway Champions: Cybersecurity Award at the CompTIA Partner Summit. The summit was held in Atlanta on July 31. “Employers value certification as a signal of someone’s readiness for a job,” said Guy Garrett, […]

Four individuals standing in front of a seal from the Office of the President of the United States.

UWF Center for Cybersecurity participates in White House cybersecurity roundtable

The White House Office of the National Cyber Director, along with the ​​U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, convened industry, government and higher education leaders and issued a readout following the event. Workshop attendees shared best practices, challenges and resources to support veterans and military spouses in cybersecurity careers. Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, […]

UWF awarded $320,210 to help students understand and prepare applications for security clearance

The Florida Defense Support Task Force awarded the University of West Florida $320,210 to develop a pilot program that helps students prepare security clearance applications and understand the process of applying for a security clearance. The program will also facilitate internships with Florida-based defense companies that require security clearances. “This workforce and economic development project […]

UWF earns national award for cybersecurity outreach initiatives

The University of West Florida placed second in the 2023 CAE-CD Community Outreach Award Competition, which is given by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community to a CAE-Cyber Defense designated institution. The award was announced at the 2024 CAE in Cybersecurity Symposium held in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 16-17. “Cybersecurity is important […]