Friends University is pleased to celebrate a $1 Million investment in technology, labs and cyber scholarships with an open house at the Olive White Garvey Business and Technology Building (BTB) on Sept. 9 at 3 p.m. Senator Jerry Moran will be on hand to give remarks about the future of cyber security in Kansas and what support from the Department of Education could mean for both Butler Community College and Friends University cyber security students.
The $750,000 grant funds were generated from the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill requested by Sen. Jerry Moran (KS) allowing for Department of Education funds to be allocated to the Friends University cyber security program for scholarships, technology and equipment. This will also be achieved through the Wichita Cybersecurity, Education, Research and Training Center in partnership with Butler Community College and industry partner StandardUser.
“Friends University’s award-winning cyber security program creates a direct pathway for career readiness in a modern world where cyber security is imperative to our daily lives,” said Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, president of Friends University. “We are delighted to be able to give our students the opportunity to learn in a state-of-the-art lab and an ethical foundation, so they have the necessary skills to enter the cyber security workforce.”
“Butler is proud of our collaborative five-year cyber security partnership with Friends University,” said Dr. Kimberly Krull, president of Butler Community College. “The federal investment in technology and scholarships is not only a testament to Friends’ outstanding program but the scholarships they are then able to provide Butler will be difference-makers for our graduates as they complete their bachelor’s degree in this ever-changing field of study.“
According to recent data from Cybersddk.org, there were approximately 500,000 open jobs related to cyber security between April 2020 and March 2021. Grant funds provided will allow for increased enrollment and retention rates for traditional and non-traditional students in the cyber security program thus creating internship and employment opportunities with the hope of retaining qualified candidates in the state of Kansas.
“It is essential – in both the government and private sector – that we have the tools and workforce to deter and neutralize cyber-attacks,” said Sen. Moran. “This investment in Friends University will help train and equip more students to meet our growing cyber security needs.”
The celebration also includes $300,000 in investments for updated and enhanced state-of the art online Connected Classrooms, a new podcast studio, a Bloomberg Terminal suite and the award-winning INTRUST Bank cyber lab in the BTB building. Friends University is located at 2100 W. University Ave., Wichita, KS 67213 with the BTB building on the northeast corner of the campus.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.
###