Regent University Alum Selected for Inaugural Cybersecurity Talent Initiative Cohort

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (September 8, 2020) – Lucinda Brooks (CAS, ’20), a graduate of Regent University’s M.S. in Cybersecurity program, is part of the inaugural cohort of the Cybersecurity Talent Initiative^TM through the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service. This initiative is a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership aimed at recruiting and training a world-class cybersecurity force.

Brooks’ program placement is with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration where she will help protect the agency’s networks against cyber threats. Brooks earned her degree in cybersecurity management and will bring a variety of academic and professional experience to the federal government.

“With a background in software development and network support, I am excited to be a part of improving and building secure software, applications, cloud storage and distributed systems,” said Brooks. “The Cybersecurity Talent Initiative enables me to do this and view cybersecurity from both the governmental and commercial perspectives.”

The demand for cybersecurity talent is steadily increasing across the nation with more than 507,000 unfilled U.S. cybersecurity jobs in 2020. The Cybersecurity Talent Initiative is designed to reduce the critical talent gap and develop motivated, mission-driven cybersecurity leaders. Through a highly selective two-year program, participants are placed in six agencies across the federal government, such as the Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Office of Naval Intelligence, or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Before the end of their federal service, they will be invited to apply for full-time positions with the program’s private sector partners, which include Mastercard, Microsoft and Workday. Those hired will receive up to $75,000 in student loan assistance.

“The inaugural class will bring fresh insights and perspectives to the federal government as they assist in ensuring that our nation’s digital infrastructure is secure against global security threats,” said Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, the organization operating the initiative.

Regent’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity equips students to develop, implement and maintain an effective cyber defense strategy. Program focus includes network security, identity management, strategic planning, disaster recovery, and more — all taught from a Christian worldview. Concentrations include cybersecurity management and cybersecurity policy. Additionally, students may choose the A.S. in Information Systems, B.S. in Cybersecurity, B. S. in Computer Science, B.S. in Cyber & Digital Forensics, B.S. in Information Systems Technology, B.S. in Management Information Systems, or several other cybersecurity and cyber psychology degrees.

Regent is named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) for the B.S. in Cybersecurity by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

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Founded in 1977, Regent University has more than 11,000 students studying on its 70-acre campus in Virginia Beach, Va., and online around the world. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from a Christian perspective in 135+ program areas including business, communication, the arts, divinity, education, government, law, leadership, nursing, healthcare, and psychology. Currently, Regent University is ranked among top national universities by U.S. News & World Report and is one of only 23 universities nationally to receive an “A” rating for its comprehensive liberal arts core curriculum.