Kent State University proudly announces a new Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the National Security Agency (NSA). This strategic partnership aims to enhance and improve STEM education. Through this agreement, NSA will offer valuable training and mentoring to Kent State personnel in science and technology fields.
The scope of this EPA extends to both undergraduate and graduate students participating in any STEM-related program at Kent State. These students will also have the unique opportunity to earn academic credit for their contributions to NSA research projects.
In 2022, Kent State University was designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-CD) for the computer engineering technology program in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
"This partnership opens the doors to myriad opportunities," said Dr. Deniz Gurkan, the official Kent State University point of contact for the EPA and NSA NCAE-CD designation. "We are super privileged to be one of the institutions that signed an Educational Partnership Agreement with NSA. We will advance knowledge in many fields while also adding new frontiers into our curriculum through our collective intellectual expertise collaborating with the cybersecurity and intelligence community. The commitment of the KSU campus to advancing science with its educational mission to put students first made this agreement possible shortly after its national designation as one of the Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the NSA.”
Among the possible initiatives under this partnership:
- Loaning of equipment and instructional materials by the NSA
- Equipment transfers to Kent State
- Collaboration with NSA personnel in STEM course and material development
- Joint development of programs granting academic credits to students for NSA research contributions
- Career guidance and academic advice from NSA to Kent State students
The core intent of this agreement revolves around mutual support for STEM activities. It embodies the spirit of technological progression, resource sharing, and robust engagement with STEM students. As a foundational partnership, the EPA exemplifies the NSA's commitment to fostering collaborations with educational institutions and non-profit organizations.
Benefits of the Partnership:
- Direct engagement of students and faculty with NSA research, coupled with NSA personnel's involvement in Kent State curricula development.
- Access to shared, innovative resources, enhancing the learning experience.
This alliance between Kent State University and the NSA is a testament to both institutions' dedication to fostering the next generation of STEM leaders.
About the National Security Agency (NSA):
The National Security Agency (NSA) leads the U.S. Government in cryptology, which includes both signals intelligence (SIGINT) insights and cybersecurity products and services. As a crucial component of the U.S. Department of Defense, the NSA plays a pivotal role as a combat support agency. Its primary duties involve providing vital intelligence support to military operations through SIGINT activities and ensuring the security of military communications against potential threats. Whether it is facilitating secure communications for service members on land, sea, or space or generating codes that protect our nation's weapons systems, the NSA is integral to the defense infrastructure. Additionally, the NSA establishes common protocols and standards for secure information sharing with U.S. allies, NATO, and coalition forces globally, emphasizing interoperability as a cornerstone for joint military ventures.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Deniz Gurkan