UWF Launches Center for Cybersecurity and AI to Advance National and Global Impact

The University of West Florida is proud to announce the official expansion of its nationally recognized Center for Cybersecurity to the UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI, signifying the center's expanded mission to become a global leader in advancing secure, responsible and trustworthy digital and intelligent systems.

"By integrating artificial intelligence research and training into the Center, UWF is equipping the present and future workforce with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today's increasingly AI-driven digital economy," said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. "The Center for Cybersecurity and AI reflects UWF's commitment to leadership and impact in this space at a national and global level."

By formally integrating AI with cybersecurity, UWF is addressing urgent workforce and security challenges that arise as digital systems become increasingly intelligent, ensuring that AI-enabled systems are designed, deployed and governed with security at the forefront while equipping students, faculty and professionals with in-demand skills aligned with evolving workforce needs.

Through multidisciplinary programs, applied research, public-private partnerships and global engagement, the UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI leads innovative initiatives with local, national and global impact, including:

• Launching AI and cybersecurity educational pathways aligned with U.S. federal, industry and international workforce frameworks.
• Embedding AI and machine learning across cybersecurity curricula, applied research and real-world problem solving.
• Being recognized as one of the first universities nationally to offer an NCAE-approved Cyber-AI Program of Study to prepare AI-enabled professionals and leaders.
• Delivering cutting-edge, industry-recognized AI and cybersecurity certifications that translate directly to workforce readiness.

"AI is transforming every sector of our economy and society, and the future of AI and cybersecurity depends on people," said Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, associate vice president of the Center for Cybersecurity and AI. "Through this expansion, UWF is strengthening its national leadership and global impact by developing the talent, research and partnerships needed to prepare an AI-enabled workforce and secure the intelligent systems shaping our future."

As part of the Center's expanded focus on artificial intelligence education and workforce development, UWF is launching new initiatives designed to equip faculty, institutions and industry partners with practical, workforce-ready AI skills and resources.

• The Center for Cybersecurity and AI will host a workshop on Feb. 26-27 to develop a foundational undergraduate AI course, which will be available to institutions across the country to integrate into their programs. Thirty AI subject matter experts will participate in the workshop to develop course materials and hands-on exercises that faculty everywhere can leverage to integrate AI into their curricula.
• The Center for Cybersecurity and AI has partnered with EC-Council to host an AI faculty development opportunity on March 4-6. The workshop will equip faculty with cutting-edge Al knowledge and competencies to earn the just-released Certified Artificial Intelligence Program Manager certification and teach it at their institutions.

For more information about UWF's Center for Cybersecurity and AI, visit uwf.edu/cyberai.