The campus of Northern Michigan University. Facebook
What's happening: Former Marquette City Manager Bill Vajda has been named the director of the Upper Peninsula Cyber Institute (UPCI) at Northern Michigan University. Since leaving Marquette in 2015, Vajda has served in various governmental technology roles in Alaska and Wyoming. He replaces the first president in UPCI history, Doug Miller, who retired earlier this year.
What is the UPCI: The UPCI is a unique establishment that provides exclusive cybersecurity education and training opportunities. The institute offers industry certifications, tests, and various events to engage and inspire students, teachers, and industry partners to explore and pursue career pathways in cybersecurity. With a focus on hands-on learning and career exploration, UPCI is committed to promoting cybersecurity as a lucrative and rewarding career option.
What they're saying: “We are excited to have Bill Vajda join our team as the new director of the Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute at NMU. Since the doors opened in 2019, there have been a lot of successes and the momentum is continuing,” said Stephanie Zadroga-Langlois, director of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at NMU. “Bill’s experience is extensive and impressive and I have no doubt that he has the ability to keep the UPCI and its many services relevant and available to the students (K-12 through postsecondary), workforce and community members of the Upper Peninsula. Marquette is home to Bill and we are so glad he is back.”
What's next: Vajda will look to retain the UPCI’s National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) accreditation. The program is sponsored by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security and provides numerous resources for the university and its students.
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