Cyber Center of Excellence

Grand Canyon University's Cyber Center of Excellence (CCE) is a cyber range with a dedicated server room. The CCE provides a hands-on learning environment that combines apprenticeship with practical experiences to develop competence and knowledge. Based on a "hackers with halos" code of conduct combined with technical controls, the CCE is a place where participants can think like a hacker without breaking laws or compromising fundamental ethical principles.

The Cyber Center of Excellence is used for campus and community involvement, including:

• Community education and awareness
• Certification Preparation Center
• Research and vulnerability discovery
• Faculty and staff skill development
• Industry expert discussions
• Red team exercises and events

• Blue team exercises and events
• Capture the Flag (CTF) events and competitions
• Technology Club meetings, events and study groups
• Showcasing student projects
• Industry connections
• Multiple cyber camps

Read through the Cyber Center of Excellence Code of Conduct for rules, guidelines and expectations of CCE usage. For more information on how to access the CCE, please contact the Cyber Range Coordinators by emailing [email protected].

In the workplace and at home, we continue to become increasingly connected through digital devices and data. Security talent is needed for enterprises, small businesses, consumers and the government to protect these technological systems and digital information from cyber threats and attacks. This means the cybersecurity industry needs more trained and skilled professionals to secure these entities.^1,2

The College of Engineering and Technology at GCU addresses rapid technological and innovative advancements in relation to cybersecurity by offering industry-informed IT degree programs. As a graduate of IT and cybersecurity, you will be taught the preparation and education to pursue a career in these STEM fields. The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Career and Studies (NICCS) lists various types of job opportunities in cybersecurity.

GCU's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cybersecurity by the National Security Agency (NSA). To be designated as a CAE, the institution must meet stringent criteria, including mapping curricula to a core set of knowledge units. This degree trains you to problem solve using technology and computer programming, while also leveraging previous experience or approved certifications.

A security capstone project and applied, hands-on activities can prepare you to enter the field of cybersecurity and information technology. You can gain an in-depth understanding and theoretical knowledge in cyber operations planning and execution, cybercrime and cyber law, as well as digital forensic investigations, security architecture, information assurance and secure system administration.

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree offers a direct focus on the cybersecurity industry. With an emphasis on practical applications, students can gain extensive knowledge in the defense of all digital spaces while learning the fundamentals of data security and network architecture design.

With both degrees, students can gain theoretical knowledge through firsthand projects and experiences.

GCU takes a “Hacker with Halos” perspective with cybersecurity education. Students are learning skills that they can use to help protect, serve and educate people, businesses and government. We discuss the ethical considerations we need to take when asked to use our skills to help protect and defend and how that fits into our Christian worldview.

Dr. Pam Rowland

Associate Dean (Alternate POC)

Dr. Pam Rowland is the associate dean of computer sciences and technology in the College of Engineering and Technology at Grand Canyon University. She holds a D.Sc. in Information Systems from Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota. Dr. Rowland came to GCU with 15 years of higher ed experience as a tenured faculty and has also held various administrative positions. Her areas of teaching include cybersecurity and computer science. Dr. Rowland’s research interest focuses on the social inclusion and growth of females in cybersecurity. Her passion project is CybHER,™ which she co-founded. This project focuses on empowering, motivating, educating and changing the perception of girls and women in cybersecurity. The project has been supported by grants from the NSA, NSF, NCWIT and the AAUW. Dr. Rowland has experience in building high-performing teams, promoting industry connections, recruiting and retaining students through mentorship, building diverse teams and writing and administering grants. Her core value is to honor God through serving, mentoring and forming relationships.

Robert Loy

Assistant Dean of Technology (POC)

Robert Loy is the assistant dean of technology and Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) lead. He is finishing his Doctor of Business Administration: Data Analytics (Quantitative Research) degree and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Change Management Professional (CCMP) with over 17 years of industry and agency experience. Mr. Loy's mission is to equip students with the latest technology disciplines, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity and software development. He fosters innovation and collaboration between industry and academia, managing employer advisory boards for curriculum advising, subject matter expertise and customized learning. Passionate about technology education and mentoring, Mr. Loy aims to inspire and empower the next generation of technology professionals.

Deborah Haralson

BS IT Program Lead, Instructor

With over 30 years of expertise in the information technology (IT) and cybersecurity sectors, Ms. Haralson brings a wealth of experience to her roles. Her career has spanned prominent organizations including Honeywell, MicroAge and CB Richard Ellis, where she has consistently demonstrated leadership and proficiency in navigating complex technological landscapes. She is dedicated to driving innovation and ensuring robust cybersecurity frameworks that safeguard organizational integrity. Her commitment to excellence and strategic insight continues to shape the future of IT and cybersecurity practices.

Dr. Dwight Farris

BS in Cyber Program Lead, Instructor

Dr. Dwight is an experienced informational technology (IT) and cybersecurity instructor with over 25 years in industry engineering, IT and computer science. He helps prepare professionals for success by bridging theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Dr. Farris career includes leadership in organizations where he innovated education and training, focusing on adaptive strategies in technology. He is dedicated to empowering students for career excellence and impactful contributions to the field.

Steven Faulkner

Steven Faulkner, an Arizona native, is the coordinator of Grand Canyon University's CCE. Mr. Faulkner is a GCU alum and earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with an Emphasis in Cyber Security (2019). He has over sixteen years of experience as a network administrator with several non-profit organizations. Combining that with his education, he has become a thought-leader in cyber operations. Mr. Faulkner believes God has called him to demonstrate Christ's love to all, specifically students, proving that Christians can live for Christ and serve in the responsible utilization of technology. He has enjoyed one of the most rewarding experiences during his tenure in the CCE at GCU. He has demonstrated that minorities interested in pursuing a career in the tech industry can achieve it and thrive. Mr. Faulkner is a self-starter and has strong networking, communication and infrastructure leadership skills. He is an experienced organizational leader with strong team building and instructional skills. His lifelong commitment is to continuously show Christ's love to all in every aspect of life. Mr. Faulkner enjoys traveling, serving in his church as a leader, cooking, spending time with family, skating and finding opportunities to be a servant leader.

Joseph Urbaszewski

Joseph Urbaszewski (Joe Urbz) leads the Cyber Center of Excellence as a cyber range coordinator at Grand Canyon University and serves as an adjunct instructor for the College of Engineering and Technology. His nearly 30 years of education experience in both the private and public sector has transformed him into the organizational leader he is today. Mr. Urbz holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Roosevelt University as well as K-12 CTE teaching certificates in Arizona and California for media production, IT and cyber. He also holds multiple certifications in the field of IT including COMPTIA (A+, N+, Security+) and LRSA/LRPA from LogRhythm. Mr. Urbz has instructed Pearson certifications for both Adobe and Cisco Academy as well as serving and served as a technology advisor for several public schools in California and Arizona. He was previously honored with the coveted ROP/CTE California Teacher of the Year award, a Rotary Community Service Above Self award for his volunteerism and has been the focus of multiple news and magazine articles for his thought-leadership in the field of education and technology.

For more information, contact Joseph Urbaszewski or Steven Faulkner via email or Discord at: [email protected]; [email protected]