Past Cybersecurity Events

The Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) provided an opportunity for 12 NCCU Computer Information Systems Cybersecurity students, accompanied by Professors Dr. Deanne Wesley and Dr. Surma, to attend the Duke Cybersecurity Conference. Students engaged with cybersecurity professionals, explored innovative student research, and gained valuable insights from a National Security Agency (NSA) speaker and retired Colonel Brown. The experience allowed students to expand their professional networks, deepen their cybersecurity knowledge, and learn about emerging trends in the field. This event reflects the CAE-CD mission of preparing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders by connecting classroom learning with real-world industry engagement and professional development.

The Cybersecurity Program hosted a resume workshop in collaboration with SAS, giving students the opportunity to strengthen their professional resumes with guidance from industry experts. Representatives from SAS shared valuable insights on resume structure, skill highlighting, and preparing for career opportunities in tech and cybersecurity. This workshop reflects NCCU’s commitment to supporting student success and building strong industry partnerships.

Adjunct instructor Dr. Elerod Morris represented NCCU at the Rise AI Conference on September 11 at Winston-Salem State University. Dr. Morris presented an insightful session on AI, sharing perspectives on emerging trends and the growing impact of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity. His participation highlights NCCU’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and leadership within the cybersecurity field.

NCCU hosted the GenCyber Cybersecurity, Drone, and Robotics Camp in June 2026. The camp provided students with hands-on learning experiences in cybersecurity, drone technologies, and robotics through interactive activities, workshops, and collaborative projects. Participants developed technical skills while exploring career pathways in technology and cybersecurity.

Students and representatives from NCCU's Cybersecurity Program attended the 2026 Association of Computer Science Departments at Minority Institutions (ADMI) Symposium, where they engaged with peers, faculty, and industry professionals from institutions across the country. We are pleased to share that NCCU students earned second place during the symposium competition, showcasing their talent, dedication, and excellence in cybersecurity.

The Cybersecurity Program participated in a dinner event with the NCCU Honors Program. The event provided an opportunity for students, faculty, and program representatives to engage in meaningful discussions about academic achievement and professional development.

During this engaging session, the president of IT Eagles delivered an insightful explanation of how computers communicate with one another. Attendees were taken behind the scenes of network operations, learning how data travels, how switches manage traffic, and how devices stay connected in a modern digital environment. The presentation offered a clear, exciting look into the fundamentals of networking and the technology that keeps our systems running smoothly. The event took place on November 18, 2025.

Did we say there was a competition also? The winner was Esther Ino Ojo! It was a fantastic event!

These talented students showcased exceptional problem-solving skills, creativity, and technical expertise throughout the competition. Their innovative approaches and teamwork truly stood out among all participants — congratulations to our winners for their outstanding performance!

On November 6, 2025, students from North Carolina Central University spent the day at the Lincoln Financial campus, where they had the opportunity to connect with IT professionals, participate in hands-on workshops, and gain valuable insights into the world of technology and innovation.

On October 3, 2025, the North Carolina Central University School of Business proudly hosted the IT Cybersecurity Summit, an engaging event designed to provide students with valuable learning opportunities. The summit offered hands-on experiences, insightful discussions, and resources for all students interested in — or aspiring to pursue — a career in cybersecurity.

Students from the North Carolina Central University chapter of WiCyS (Women in Cybersecurity) were given the opportunity to attend the 2025 WICY's National Conference in Dallas, TX, from April 2 to April 5. 

On March 27-30, The Association of Computer Science Departments at Minority Institutions (ADMI) hosted a symposium devoted to computing issues relevant to minority students, education and institutions. The theme of the symposium was Enhancing AI Capacity at Minority Serving Institutions, and the students received third place at this event.

On Friday, March 21, 2025, a drone workshop was held for local high school students in the GenCyber program. The event, led by experienced drone pilot Mario Malabunga, offered a crash course on drone technology, followed by hands-on training and a field test. Students also participated in exciting drone challenges, putting their newly acquired skills to the test in a practical setting.

Students from the North Carolina Central University chapter of WiCyS (Women in Cybersecurity) were given the opportunity to attend the 2024 WICY's National Conference in Nashville, TN, from April 11 to April 13. These students were immersed in seminars by industry leaders, took time to volunteer for the event, participated in a job fair and received professional headshots. We are extremely proud of the four students and our future women in cybersecurity.

On March 14, 2024, the NCCU School of Business Department of Cybersecurity hosted a diverse mix of cybersecurity professional speakers and workshops to generate collaborative discussions and activities.

On February 23, 2024, the NCCU School of Business Cybersecurity Department hosted local high school students on campus. This workshop was an outreach to local schools that helped to show the students different aspects of the cyber world. In the pictures shared here, you are seeing the students build robots that can be raced after completion. 

NC Pace is a coalition of educational, government, and industry organizations working together to meet the cybersecurity needs of North Carolina while strengthening and advancing the state's cybersecurity ecosystem. On February 22–23, 2024, students from NCCU were invited to attend and present research topics among industry leaders. 

On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, in the Raleigh Convention Center, Computer Information Systems (CIS) students attended Triangle InfoSeCon. This event is the largest annual information security conference in the area and is the flagship event of the Raleigh Chapter of the Information System Security Association.

On October 19, 2023, the NCCU School of Business invited Dell Technology to campus for panel discussions. They took part in a lunch-and-learn event with students, which included a roundtable discussion. 

We thank Dell for this opportunity and look forward to hosting them in the future. 

North Carolina Central University has been designated as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense!  This is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty and students. This recognition opens up a world of opportunities for our department and University. It is not just a recognition of our past accomplishments, but a stepping stone to an even brighter future in the world of cyber defense.

On August 17, 2023, our Women in Cybersecurity (WiCYS) and IT Eagles helped kick off the new academic year with Eagle Mania/Week. The student leaders enjoyed welcoming new Eagles with fun and exciting activities.

The Association of Computer Science Departments at Minority Institutions (ADMI) hosted a Cybersecurity Capture the Flag (CTF) Challenge Competition as part of the 2022 ADMI Symposium on Computing at Minority Institutions. Teams from a number of HBCUs competed for prizes and bragging rights on Friday, March 25, 2022. Each member of the school team(s) registered and participated in the full ADMI Symposium. 

This event was used to bring awareness to NCCU cybersecurity programs. In attendance were 39 students and high school faculty.

This event's purpose was to bring awareness to cybersecurity careers and what NCCU is doing to meet the cybersecurity industry need. Department chairs, coordinators and instructors attended the event to learn about cybersecurity and how it can benefit students.

CIS students Kobe Wilson and Kodik Witlow won first place in the Oracle/Cisco Case Competition for Cybersecurity.

WiCYS held a recruitment event during the 10:40 break to get additional students involved with the WiCYS club. The event was held on September 13. Seen below in the picture are Diamond Bryant, the WiCYS president, and Malina Robinson, the WiCYS vice-president.

On Friday, September 9, 2022, in the Raleigh Convention Center, CIS students attended Triangle InfoSeCon. This event is the largest annual information security conference in the area and is the flagship event of the Raleigh Chapter of the Information System Security Association.

Students enjoyed competing against one another playing IT/Cybersecurity Jeopardy. There were 30 students in attendance from various majors.

Students attended the WiCYS Women's Conference, where they united with local communities of aspiring and thriving women cybersecurity professionals across the world to collaborate, share their knowledge, network, and mentor.