CAE Community of Practice
Cyber Defense
Rural CAE-CDs
Rural CAE-CDs Initiative
The aim of this Rural CAE-CDs initiative is to support and enhance cybersecurity education at CAE-designated institutions in rural locations by developing collaborative resources, fostering industry partnerships, and creating pathways for student success in cybersecurity careers, thereby strengthening the nation's cybersecurity workforce across all geographic regions.
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Initiative Co-Chairs
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Debasis Bhattacharya - UH Maui College, Maui, Hawaii
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Gary Sparks - Metropolitan Community College, Nebraska
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Stu Steiner - Eastern Washington University, Washington
Initiative Committee Members
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Alex Hayes, John A. Logan College, Carterville, Illinois
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Stanley Kostka, Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills, Illinois
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Deanne Cranford-Wesley, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina
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Jeanette Geller, SUNY Rockland Community College, Suffern, New York
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Amy Hertel, Texas State Technical College, Marshall, Texas
Upcoming events:
Fall 2026 meetings - First Fridays of the month on:
- September 4, 2026
- October 2, 2026
- November 6, 2026
- December 4, 2026
Time - 1PM PDT/3PM CDT/4PM EDT.
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If you are interested to participate, attend the meetings, or serve on the committee of this exciting Rural CAE-CDs initiative, feel free to reach out to the co-chairs and make sure to indicate which CAE you are from and email them from your .edu email address only.
Updated: September 4, 2026