Higher education is typically not quick to change. In many ways, university life is much the same today as it was 30 years ago. There are, however, some exceptions. The TSYS School's Nexus program in cybersecurity is one such example, as it was developed in short order following the USG's recent request for a program that would fill society's need for additional cybersecurity professionals. Not only did Patrick Aiken, Director of the TSYS Center for Cybersecurity, and his colleagues Armando Fernandez, Elke Brumbaugh and others respond by putting together a quality academic program, that program has already changed the lives, and very much for the better, of many Columbus area residents. As a result, others are excited to blaze their own trail as cybersecurity professionals. Take, for example, Shannon Williams, a U.S. Army veteran and logistics expert who joined the program in January of 2024. As Shannon explains, "I'm an aspiring Cyber Security Compliance and Training Manager, an ARMY Veteran, and a cybersecurity professional with a twist – my journey began in customer service, entrepreneurship, and insurance. I've leveraged my diverse background to transition into the cybersecurity field. These experiences have equipped me with invaluable skills in problem-solving, risk management, and client relations." Shannon describes herself as "dedicated and results-driven," and as someone who has a "passion for technology" and "a knack for tackling challenges head-on." Aiken also expressed excitement in welcoming Shannon and the other members of Cohort 10 to the Turner College. "We're excited to have Shannon in Cohort 10. It's great to see her and her fellow students digging in and learning the 'deep magic' from day one. I'm looking forward to watching . . . Cohort 10 power through the program."
Officials in the Turner College's Butler Center for Research and Economic Development recently put the finishing touches on an extensive report on trends in educational programs and occupations in the Columbus area. The report also includes data on business and technology trends. According to Fady Mansour , Director of the Butler Center, there are several key takeaways from the report regarding 10 occupational gaps that currently exist in the Columbus area. First, software development occupation exhibits the biggest labor shortage, with the report adding that the TSYS School has a bachelor's degree program in information technology along with a new AI track for the bachelor's degree in computer science, both of which can qualify students for this occupation. Other educational programs are in demand, such as computer programming and cloud computing. Second, there is a gap of 30 employees per year in general and operations management. This gap could be addressed by the Turn...

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