The University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity is partnering with Metova CyberCENTS to create the Florida Cyber Range from Metova’s CENTS® portfolio of cyber range simulators.
The range will be used for hands-on cybersecurity education, training, operations and research. This partnership provides a platform for the UWF Center for Cybersecurity and Metova CyberCENTS to proactively explore knowledge, technologies and tools to further advance cybersecurity regionally, nationally and globally.
The Florida Cyber Range will provide advanced training and testing solutions for academic, government, military and commercial organizations through various cybersecurity exercises and activities. The Florida Cyber Range will revolutionize cybersecurity education and operations within the state and position Florida to provide critical cybersecurity expertise for the nation.
“We are honored to partner with Metova CyberCENTS to launch the Florida Cyber Range,” said Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, director of the UWF Center for Cybersecurity. “The Florida Cyber Range provides a state-of-the-art environment to help cybersecurity students and professionals gain valuable practical skills to detect and defend against real world cyber-attacks. The range will help organizations differentiate themselves and prepare against emerging threats and attacks through innovative training experiences.”
The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security designated UWF as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and as the CAE Regional Resource Center for the Southeast U.S. In this role, the UWF Center for Cybersecurity provides leadership to advance cyber defense education among colleges and universities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Tennessee.
The Florida Cyber Range is designed to provide a Tier 1 Cybersecurity Hub capable of providing services to institutions looking to expand their cybersecurity offerings.
“The Florida Cyber Range will complement expanding cybersecurity education, training and research initiatives by using real world situations to prepare against complex cyber-attacks,” El-Sheikh said. “The UWF Center for Cybersecurity will develop resources and models for integrating Florida Cyber Range exercises into education and training programs and will disseminate these resources regionally and nationally.”
Metova is the owner and developer of the Cyberoperations Enhanced Network and Training Simulators product line, which is a portfolio of Cyber Simulator and Range solutions. CENTS® solutions provide an integrated, Live-Virtual-Constructive cyber range environment for training, exercising and testing full-spectrum cyberspace capabilities. Metova’s cyber range products have been in development and production for over a decade. Taking input directly from cyber operators, beginning with the U.S. Air Force conducting Computer Network Defense exercises in 2001, Metova’s CENTS design has continued to evolve and progress from the first Department of Defense Cyber Range installation, the Joint Cyberspace Operations Range, to the premier cyber range platform currently used within the DoD.
“We envision a future public-private enterprise that will encourage cyber innovation and training, all while being supportive of entrepreneurship,” said Bill Dunn, president of Metova CyberCENTS. “Metova CyberCENTS is pleased to be joined by UWF in bringing the Florida Cyber Range to life, not only for the Cyber Coast, but for government, industry, universities and K-12 across Florida and the nation.”
For more information on the Florida Cyber Range, please visit floridacyberrange.org.
For more information on the UWF Center for Cybersecurity, visit uwf.edu/cybersecurity.
For more information on Metova CYBERCENTS, visit cybercents.com.
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA
Registration is open for Florida’s first Open Educational Resources Summit
Florida Virtual Campus recently announced that Florida’s first Open Educational Resources Summit will be held from Sept. 7-8 at the Hilton Daytona Beach Resort. FLVC is a Complete Florida Plus Program, managed by the University of West Florida Innovation Institute. Participants will hear from Cable Green, director of open education, and other national and campus leaders involved in defining and driving OER strategy and initiatives.
“We are excited about what our summit will mean for OER in Florida,” said Dr. John Opper, executive director for distant learning and student services at FLVC. “Attendees will discuss the components of a sustainable OER program, elements of a successful faculty driven OER program, the key concerns relating to the quality of open textbooks and how to address them and the return on investment for students and institutions.”
Open educational resources are freely accessible and openly licensed text, media and other digital assets that are useful for teaching, learning and research purposes. Some of Florida’s colleges and universities provide free textbooks and content to their students. One state funded resource for storing and sharing OER is the Orange Grove, an online collection of textbooks and educational materials available to sunshine state students for free. Using this resource, students can find textbooks for a range of courses, from precalculus to oceanography to English composition.
State and campus leaders involved in defining and driving OER strategy and initiatives in higher education, including faculty, librarians, instructional designers, administrators and other thought-leaders, are encouraged to attend the OER Summit. Registration is $100 per person. For more information or to register, visit www.flvc.org/oersummit.
About Florida Virtual Campus: The Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC), A Complete Florida Plus program, is made up of several units which provide statewide innovative educational services for Florida’s K-adult students. Working collaboratively with Florida’s 12 public universities, 28 public colleges, K-12 school districts, and other partners, FLVC provides free services to help students go to college, succeed in school, prepare for career success, and in life after graduation.
Complete Florida’s webinar helps adults return to college, finish degree
Complete Florida is hosting a monthly webinar, Finish-Up Friday, beginning June 2 from noon to 12:30 p.m. EDT. The free, live webinars will focus on preparing the busy adult learner to return to college and complete their degree. Complete Florida is managed by the UWF Innovation Institute.
“Our live event will give adults the opportunity to speak with Complete Florida coaches about all that Complete Florida has to offer,” said Michelle Horton, Complete Florida enrollment and retention director. “Complete Florida is Florida’s gateway for adult learners to go back to college and complete their degree.”
The webinars will serve as informational and Q&A sessions, where adult learners can hear from Complete Florida staff to learn how to return to college to finish their degree. The value of a college education, financial aid help and pathways to a new career are just a few of the items that will be covered in these webinars.
The Finish-Up Friday Webinar is a free, online event funded by the state of Florida. To register or for more information, visit www.completeflorida.org.
About Complete Florida
Complete Florida is a state of Florida initiative to recruit and retain the state’s 3 million adults who have some college but no degree. Partnering with public and private higher education institutions in Florida, Complete Florida provides one-on-one planning, support and coaching for students with adult responsibilities. Dedicated coaches work alongside students as personal advocates, counselors and advisors while participants complete college courses 100% online. For more information, visit www.completeflorida.org.
Complete Florida is a state of Florida initiative to recruit and retain the state’s 3 million adults who have some college but no degree. Partnering with public and private higher education institutions in Florida, Complete Florida provides one-on-one planning, support and coaching for students with adult responsibilities. Dedicated coaches work alongside students as personal advocates, counselors and advisors while participants complete college courses 100% online. For more information, visit www.completeflorida.org.
About the UWF Innovation Institute
The Innovation Institute is a division of the University of West Florida. The Innovation team, founded around the principles of extreme collaboration, high energy, deep research and innovative thinking are focused on solving significant educational challenges. One of the cornerstones of the Institute is its focus on being a “Thought Leader” in education – creating and implementing innovative tools, programs and resources to the advancement of education and learning.
The Innovation Institute is a division of the University of West Florida. The Innovation team, founded around the principles of extreme collaboration, high energy, deep research and innovative thinking are focused on solving significant educational challenges. One of the cornerstones of the Institute is its focus on being a “Thought Leader” in education – creating and implementing innovative tools, programs and resources to the advancement of education and learning.
UWF celebrates inauguration of President Martha Saunders
The University of West Florida formally installed Dr. Martha Saunders as its sixth president during the inauguration ceremony held on April 21 at the UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts.
“The inauguration of a new president is really a celebration of the university she serves,” Saunders said.
Trustees, faculty, staff, students, board members, community leaders and delegates from institutions across the globe attended the celebration, which included a reception at UWF on the Emerald Coast on Tuesday, a distinguished guests reception on Thursday evening and an inauguration procession, ceremony and reception on Friday. Honored guests included Marshall Criser III, chancellor of the State University System of Florida, Madeline Pumariega, chancellor of the Florida College System, the Honorable Ashton Hayward, mayor of the City of Pensacola, Connie Crosby, representative of first UWF president Harold Crosby, past president Dr. John Cavanaugh, and Drs. Morris Marx and Judy Bense, presidents emeriti.
“This is an extraordinary day for the University of West Florida and I am thrilled to install Dr. Saunders as the sixth president of this remarkable institution,” said Mort O’Sullivan, chair of the UWF Board of Trustees. “She is the leader we need to take the University to the next level and help us grow our impact on our community, region, state and beyond.”
Saunders was selected as the sixth UWF president in September 2016, following a unanimous resolution passed by the Board of Trustees and confirmation by the Board of Governors in November. She assumed the role on Jan. 1, as the University launched its 50th Anniversary milestone celebration.
Saunders’ career in higher education began in 1984 at UWF, where she served as an instructor in the communication arts department. She quickly rose through the ranks, taking on roles including public relations program coordinator, director of the University Honors Program and dean for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Saunders also served as vice president for academic affairs at Columbus State University and as the first female chancellor for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She then led the University of Southern Mississippi as its first female president, before returning to UWF in 2013 as provost. In 2014, Saunders was appointed executive vice president at UWF, assuming the role as chief operating officer, in addition to chief academic officer and vice president for the Division of Academic Affairs.
Growth in enrollment, fundraising and campus structures were hallmarks of her previous leadership at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the University of Southern Mississippi. Saunders envisions similar growth in those areas at UWF by increasing its physical presence in downtown Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach, investing in programs such as global online, cybersecurity and supply chain logistics and visiting local high schools to recruit talented students.
“I foresee a future when people arriving in this area will know they are in a university town because they can see it, hear it, feel it, experience it,” Saunders said. “ Our students will come to us fully confident in their choice because we will take them where they want to be.”
Saunders received a doctorate in communication theory and research from Florida State University. She earned a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and a bachelor’s degree in French from the University of Southern Mississippi.
To learn more about Saunders, visit uwf.edu/president and for inauguration information, visit uwf.edu/inauguration.
UWF Innovation Institute and FloridaShines to host Virtual College Week
FloridaShines, Florida’s student hub of innovative educational services, will host its first Virtual College Week on April 4-6. FloridaShines is managed by the University of West Florida Innovation Institute and is hosting the three-day event after a successful Virtual College Night last fall.
“FloridaShines has everything students need to get ready for college,” said Nashla Dawahre, assistant director of advising and student services. “Our online event offers several different webinars covering a range of subjects from college admissions to financial aid and career planning.”
Representatives from the Florida College System, State University System, Florida Department of Education and other topic experts will present during the three-day event. The Virtual College Week is free and open to Florida high school juniors and seniors, parents and counselors looking for information on preparing for college, including where to go, what degree to earn and how to pay for it without breaking the bank.
Virtual College Week webcast sessions include:
April 4: High School Counselors: Guidance for Guidance
April 5: High School Students: College 101
April 6: Parents: Surviving College With Your Students
To register or for more information, visit www.FloridaShines.org.
About FloridaShines
FloridaShines exists to empower all of Florida’s 20 million residents to earn a college degree and find a bright career, by providing an array of FREE online tools to help students succeed in school and prepare for careers. FloridaShines works with the state’s 40 colleges and universities and other partners to help students succeed in school and beyond. Plan for their education and to succeed in the world of work. All these services are designed to help students shine.
FloridaShines exists to empower all of Florida’s 20 million residents to earn a college degree and find a bright career, by providing an array of FREE online tools to help students succeed in school and prepare for careers. FloridaShines works with the state’s 40 colleges and universities and other partners to help students succeed in school and beyond. Plan for their education and to succeed in the world of work. All these services are designed to help students shine.
About the UWF Innovation Institute
We are re-imaging how millions of people experience learning by exploring, designing, prototyping and delivering innovation for education. We collaborate with and serve University of West Florida, partner organizations and institutions across the state of Florida who want to improve learning for the entire Florida education system. We are a trusted partner that provides research-driven, customer-centric, systems-thinking approach to sustainable innovation.
We are re-imaging how millions of people experience learning by exploring, designing, prototyping and delivering innovation for education. We collaborate with and serve University of West Florida, partner organizations and institutions across the state of Florida who want to improve learning for the entire Florida education system. We are a trusted partner that provides research-driven, customer-centric, systems-thinking approach to sustainable innovation.
MyCareerShines surpasses another major milestone
More than 300,000 Florida students are taking steps toward a bright future
More than 300,000 Sunshine State students and adults are planning their future on MyCareerShines, Florida’s comprehensive education and career planning system. The system is powered by a suite of age-appropriate online tools that allow students to develop a personalized education plan that connects interests and skills to careers and jobs. MyCareerShines is administered by the University of West Florida Innovation Institute and is free for all Florida students from middle school through college and beyond.
“MyCareerShines is helping students plan for the future,” said Dr. Karen Rasmussen, associate vice president of academic strategies. “Whether it is college, training or straight into the workforce, MyCareerShines gives students all the information and tools to succeed.”
MyCareerShines currently offers two online tools developed by Kuder, Inc., an internationally recognized career guidance services provider specializing in research-based career assessments. Students in middle and high school use Navigator® to develop an education plan that prepares them for college and a rewarding career after graduation. College students use Journey® to develop a plan to pursue and land their dream job.
“When students have a plan, they are more likely to stay on track, on time and on budget for earning their degree,” said Dr. Rasmussen. “MyCareerShines helps them make that plan, starting as early as seventh grade.”
Students build a plan by going through the step-by-step process or they access features in the system that meet their immediate needs. The system allows students to assess their interests and skills, explore the extensive catalog of careers, learn about the education requirements for their top job choices, make a plan for school, create resumes, prepare for interviews and find jobs.
MyCareerShines is fully funded by the Florida Legislature, which has made it a priority to prepare Floridians with the knowledge, skills and tools to succeed in school and the increasingly competitive global economy. The system is being implemented and managed by the UWF Innovation Institute, which also manages Florida’s Student Hub of Innovative Educational Services – FloridaShines, for short.
MyCareerShines
MyCareerShines is Florida’s comprehensive education and career planning system. The system is powered by a suite of age-appropriate FREE online tools that allow students and job seekers to develop a personalized plan that connects interests, skills and education to careers and jobs.
MyCareerShines is Florida’s comprehensive education and career planning system. The system is powered by a suite of age-appropriate FREE online tools that allow students and job seekers to develop a personalized plan that connects interests, skills and education to careers and jobs.
UWF Innovation Institute
The Innovation Institute is a collaborative makerspace for building innovative solutions. The Innovation team, founded around the principles of extreme collaboration, high energy, deep research and innovative thinking are focused on solving significant educational challenges. One of the cornerstones of the Institute is it focus on being a “Thought Leader” in education – creating and implementing innovative tools, programs and resources to the advancement of education and learning.
The Innovation Institute is a collaborative makerspace for building innovative solutions. The Innovation team, founded around the principles of extreme collaboration, high energy, deep research and innovative thinking are focused on solving significant educational challenges. One of the cornerstones of the Institute is it focus on being a “Thought Leader” in education – creating and implementing innovative tools, programs and resources to the advancement of education and learning.
Kuder, Inc.
More than 165 million people have used Kuder’s research-based career assessment, education planning, and guidance resources to help visualize which industry or career, field of study, or school to pursue next in life. Kuder helps ensure that people of all ages can unlock the power of their own potential, and create a bright future. For more information, visit www.kuder.com or call (800) 314-8972.
More than 165 million people have used Kuder’s research-based career assessment, education planning, and guidance resources to help visualize which industry or career, field of study, or school to pursue next in life. Kuder helps ensure that people of all ages can unlock the power of their own potential, and create a bright future. For more information, visit www.kuder.com or call (800) 314-8972.
