Team of 25 places sixth in NSA Cyber Exercise
The University of North Georgia (¶¶Òõ̽̽App) finished sixth out of 11 schools participating in the National Security Agency Cyber Exercise (NCX) held virtually April 8-10.
After entering as an expo team in 2019, this was the first year ¶¶Òõ̽̽App participated as a competition team. ¶¶Òõ̽̽App faced off against the nation's five other senior military colleges, three service academies and two National Security Agency (NSA) units.
¶¶Òõ̽̽App's team included 17 cadets and eight civilian students, including 11 seniors. Fourteen of these students are eligible to compete again next year.
"It's a terrific training platform for our future cyber leaders," said Dr. Bryson Payne, professor of computer science and director of the Center for Cyber Operations Education. "Our students are willing to try something new and get out there and learn. That's what it takes to really excel in cyber."
The three-day NCX competition included cyber combat, forensics and policy modules. The event "helps to develop and test cybersecurity skills, teamwork, planning, communication, critical thinking, and decision-making," according to the NSA website.
¶¶Òõ̽̽App launched a in fall 2018 and is designated by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
McGill takes reins as brigade commander
Grace McGill has been named Corps of Cadets brigade commander for 2026-27. She is also a captain on the ¶¶Òõ̽̽App women's soccer team.
¶¶Òõ̽̽App honors Purcell's lifetime of service
Seventy-seven years after first arriving at ¶¶Òõ̽̽App as a student, Anne Purcell returned to the commencement stage to receive an honorary degree.
Cadets ready to lead as officers
¶¶Òõ̽̽App will commission 60 second lieutenants into the Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve during a 4 p.m. May 12 ceremony in the Convocation Center at ¶¶Òõ̽̽App's Dahlonega Campus.
Students shine in leadership competition
Three ¶¶Òõ̽̽App student teams competed at the Collegiate Leadership Competition Southeast Regional, highlighted by a third-place finish from the Cottrell Leadership Fellows.