Leading the Way in Cybersecurity
Written by Shelby Harrison, College of Computing’s director of marketing & communications
Cyber threats are evolving — and so is Grand Valley. At a time when digital security is more critical than ever, GVSU’s College of Computing is leading the charge in cybersecurity education, research, and workforce development. Over the past year, the college has transformed its cybersecurity footprint, earning national recognition, expanding hands-on learning environments, and launching bold new initiatives to prepare the next generation of cyber defenders.
In July 2024, the college hosted its first GenCyber Teacher Camp. This was a weeklong professional development experience for 25 local educators. Funded through a national grant, the camp equipped teachers with cybersecurity curricula and classroom-ready tools, extending GVSU’s influence far beyond its campuses and into K–12 classrooms across the region.
The most notable achievement this year was earning the prestigious National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation by the National Security Agency. This recognition affirms the university’s rigorous curriculum, dedicated faculty, and meaningful outreach efforts. This achievement came two years after the Institute of Cybersecurity Education and Research was founded.
Dr. Andrew Kalafut serves as director of the Institute for Cybersecurity Education and Research, advancing cybersecurity initiatives at GVSU.
Dr. Andrew Kalafut serves as director of the Institute for Cybersecurity Education and Research, advancing cybersecurity initiatives at GVSU.
“Receiving the CAE-CD designation involves showing evidence not only of a strong cybersecurity academic program, but also that GVSU is going beyond that academic program in its commitment to cybersecurity,” said Dr. Andrew Kalafut, Institute for Cybersecurity Education and Research director.
This deep commitment is perhaps most evident in the college’s investment in student learning. This year, the College of Computing expanded its hands-on infrastructure by launching a second Cyber Range on the Allendale Campus. These advanced labs allow students to simulate real-world cyberattacks and defenses using industry-standard tools like Kali Linux, providing unmatched experiential learning.
Beyond the classroom, GVSU’s cybersecurity faculty mentors and supports several student organizations, including Hackers Analyzing Threats (HAT) and WiCyS She Secures. HAT was accepted into the prestigious National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, where students test their skills against professional penetration testers. The organization also hosts Capture the Flag events and cybersecurity workshops, fostering a vibrant student-led cyber community.
A screen displays the Cyber Threat Range interface at GVSU, a state-of-the-art training environment for cyber defense simulations.
A screen displays the Cyber Threat Range interface at GVSU, a state-of-the-art training environment for cyber defense simulations.
Dr. Samah Mansour, who also leads GVSU’s graduate cybersecurity program, is a driving force behind the WiCyS She Secures chapter. The group creates a welcoming and empowering space for women in cybersecurity, offering guest lectures, technical workshops, and K–12 outreach. “Representation matters,” said Mansour. “We want students to see themselves in this field and feel empowered to lead it.”
Dr. Samah Mansour directs GVSU’s cybersecurity graduate program, leads outreach efforts, and champions women in cybersecurity.
Dr. Samah Mansour directs GVSU’s cybersecurity graduate program, leads outreach efforts, and champions women in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity faculty are also pushing the boundaries of applied research. Dr. Sara Sutton received a NASA-funded grant through the Michigan Space Grant Consortium to explore cybersecurity in drone communication systems, giving students the opportunity to work at the intersection of aviation and information security.
This year’s progress culminated at Innovation Day on April 18, where cybersecurity was a major focus. The event featured a full lineup of panels covering women in cybersecurity, current and future cyber threats, and academic-industry collaborations. Students showcased their research and capstone projects to over 250 guests, including industry leaders and federal partners. The keynote speaker, Craig James-Heer, Vice President and Chief Information Security & Infrastructure Officer for The Clorox Company, shared his career journey and emphasized a message echoed throughout the day: cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.
“In everything we do, we’re reinforcing the message that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility,” said Dr. Mansour. “From our students and faculty to K–12 teachers and community partners, we’re building a safer, more secure digital future.”
With continued investment in its people, programs, and partnerships, GVSU’s College of Computing is well-positioned to meet the next generation of cybersecurity challenges and to lead the way in creating a more resilient digital world.
Students at Grand Valley State University collaborate on a cybersecurity exercise, engaging in hands-on learning that mirrors real-world scenarios.
Students at Grand Valley State University collaborate on a cybersecurity exercise, engaging in hands-on learning that mirrors real-world scenarios.