National University Faculty Member Receives Award for Cybersecurity Education

 Jan. 5, 2015 – Chris Simpson, an Associate Professor with National University’s School of Computing and Engineering, was named the winner in the category of Education for the 2014 Cybersecurity Awards, sponsored by the San Diego Business Journal. He was one of five winners in categories that included Critical Infrastructure, Education, Internet of Things, Millennial and Volunteer.  

Chris Simpson is lead faculty for the Master of Science program in Cyber Security within the School of Engineering and Computing at National University. National University is recognized by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence for its cyber security program – one of just eight designated centers in California and the only one in San Diego County. National University is the 

The master’s program at National University, the second-largest private, nonprofit university in California, teaches students the fundamental and advanced concepts of cybersecurity using common standards like the NIST Framework and challenging hands-on labs and projects. Specialties offered include Ethical Hacking and Pen and Security Policy. 

Simpson is also director of the National University Center for Cyber Security. His expertise centers on cloud security, vulnerability assessment and knowledge management. His background includes a career in the US Navy. He retired in 2009 after 27 years of service. He is also president of the San Diego Chapter of Information System Security Association.

The five awardees were among more than two dozen finalists who were recognized at a special event in December, 2014. Gavin Worden, who is Manager of Vulnerability and Incident Management of Sempra Energy, and who also teaches at National University as an adjunct faculty member, won in the category of Volunteer for his involvement mentoring the Mira Mesa High School Cyber Team. 

About National University

Founded in 1971, National University is the second-largest private, nonprofit institution of higher education in California. With 30,000 students and more than 230,000 alumni, National University is the flagship institution of the National University System. National University is dedicated to making lifelong learning opportunities accessible, challenging, and relevant to a diverse population of students. Five schools and one college – the College of Letters and Sciences; the School of Business and Management; the School of Education; the School of Engineering and Computing; the School of Health and Human Services; and the School of Professional Studies – offer more than 75 graduate and undergraduate degrees and 23 teacher credentials. Programs are offered at locations throughout California and across the nation, and are also available online. National University is headquartered in La Jolla, California.

Media contact:
Anna Cearley
Director of Public Relations
858-642-8163
[email protected]

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