June 6, 2025
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
The National Security Agency (NSA) has redesignated the University of Missouri as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R).
This honor underscores Mizzou’s sustained excellence in advancing cybersecurity through rigorous research, innovative curriculum development and impactful outreach that addresses the growing national demand for cybersecurity expertise.
“We are proud to receive this important designation, which recognizes Mizzou’s proven achievements in the cybersecurity field,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “Our commitment to cybersecurity innovation is engaging more students, growing research capacity, and driving partnerships with government and industry to meet the future challenges facing our country.”
President Choi catalyzed the pursuit of the designation in 2019. Today, the program continues to grow through support from university leadership.
The NSA CAE-R program is part of a strategic effort to reinforce the United States’ security by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense. It aligns with the National Cyber Strategy, which highlights the urgent need for a robust cybersecurity workforce and calls on higher education institutions to lead the way.
Mizzou directly supports this mission by equipping students with cutting-edge education, producing groundbreaking research and engaging with government and industry on real-world challenges.
“This redesignation confirms Mizzou’s place at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation and education,” said Prasad Calyam, Curators’ Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and one of the faculty leads for the CAE-R initiative at Mizzou. “Our faculty, students and partners are driving real progress in an area that is crucial to national security.”
Innovation in action
Since its initial designation in 2019, Missouri’s flagship university has made significant strides in cybersecurity research, education and outreach.
Mizzou faculty members have secured several federal cybersecurity grants from the NSA, National Science Foundation, Army Research Lab, Small Business Administration and other agencies. They have also established cooperative research and development agreements with key Department of Defense entities, including the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and the National Defense University.
The university has recruited cybersecurity faculty, enhanced its curriculum and expanded doctoral and masters’ programs in cybersecurity fields.
Faculty have developed cybersecurity tutorials for small businesses, led “Hacker Tracker” summer camps for middle and high school students, organized conferences and workshops, and served as thought leaders in the NSA CAE community.
The foundation of Mizzou’s cybersecurity strength is its Cybersecurity Initiative, a collaboration among the College of Engineering, College of Arts and Science, Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business and School of Law. This initiative has helped foster a robust multi-disciplinary cybersecurity ecosystem that encourages faculty and students to approach problems from multiple perspectives.
Associate Professor Rohit Chadha, Calyam and former associate professor William Harrison were instrumental in establishing the initiative and laying the groundwork for Mizzou’s national recognition.
With the designation secured through academic year 2030, Mizzou is well-positioned to lead the next decade of cybersecurity innovation. The university is committed to building on its momentum, expanding research initiatives, outreach and education programs, and deepening its impact on both Missouri and the nation.
“This recognition is not just a milestone — it’s a motivation to keep pushing forward,” said Chadha, who serves as the director of the Mizzou Cybersecurity Center and led the accreditation and re-accreditation efforts. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come and even more excited about what’s ahead.”
