Nash Community College is proud to announce the launch of the Nighthawk Cyber Alliance (NCA), a new initiative committed to fostering a culture of cyber safety and awareness across campus and the community.
The NCA is a cybersecurity awareness and advocacy group composed of Nash CC faculty, staff, students and members of the College’s Business and Industry Leadership Team. Its mission is to promote cyber literacy and support the development of foundational cyber skills across disciplines. By engaging students, educators and the broader community, the Alliance aims to empower individuals to make informed, safe decisions in a digital world.
“The Nighthawk Cyber Alliance reflects our college’s forward-thinking approach to workforce development and digital responsibility,” said Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt, president of NCC. “Cybersecurity isn’t just an Information Technology (IT)/Information Systems (IS) issue anymore; it is in every profession and many are impacted. This initiative helps ensure our students, staff and community are prepared for the demands of the growing digital space.”
Through the NCA, the College hosts cybersecurity awareness events for students, faculty, staff and local residents. It also partners with small businesses supported by Nash CC’s Small Business Center to share resources and offer practical cyber safety training. Faculty and staff across all disciplines receive professional development to help embed cyber safety content into coursework, ensuring that digital responsibility becomes a shared value throughout the campus community.
Strategic efforts are also underway to increase diversity in the IT field. The College is expanding its recruitment and retention of women in technology programs, coordinating targeted outreach and providing support systems to encourage enrollment and long-term success. Additionally, the NCA will provide student-centered resources for those enrolled in the Information Systems degree program and plans to launch a new IT Student Club to build community and peer support.
Backed by National Science Foundation Support
The Nighthawk Cyber Alliance is part of NCC’s “Cultivating Cyber Safety Across Disciplines” initiative, funded by a three-year National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF-ATE) grant. The project, running from July 1, 2024, through July 1, 2027, focuses on building a stronger, more diverse IT workforce in Eastern North Carolina.
With support from the grant, NCC is expanding its Business and Industry Leadership Team to align academic programs with employer needs. The College is also removing financial barriers by offering students free access to certifications such as CompTIA A+, Microsoft, and Certiport. A key objective is to increase the number of women entering IT programs, with a goal of enrolling 20 additional women and achieving an 80% retention rate by the end of the grant.
In addition to IT program enhancements, the grant supports the integration of cyber safety concepts across all academic areas. Faculty are embedding cybersecurity modules into non-IT courses, and the College is promoting cyber awareness through bi-weekly safety tips, student-led events, and campus-wide engagement. These efforts aim to build a culture of cyber literacy that extends beyond the classroom and into the broader community.
Cyber Awareness in Action
Students and employees can expect to see increased visibility around cyber safety efforts—from new classroom modules to campus events and digital communication. Nash CC will continue building momentum with expanded industry partnerships, professional learning communities, and a stronger support network for IT/IS students.
“The Nighthawk Cyber Alliance represents a unified effort to put cyber safety in everyone’s hands,” said Kevin Roberts, nighthawk cyber alliance coordinator at NCC. “By integrating cybersecurity into every discipline and offering real-world learning opportunities, we’re preparing students not just for today’s challenges, but also for the future digital landscape.”
To learn more about the Nighthawk Cyber Alliance or upcoming events, contact ksroberts151@nashcc.edu.
