Following a Fall 2023 unanimous Board of Trustees vote, Talladega College has announced that its Center for Cybersecurity, a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), will be renamed in honor of Essye B. Miller, ’85, a distinguished member of the TC Board of Trustees.
The newly christened Essye B. Miller Center for Cybersecurity will continue the College’s mission of providing exceptional cybersecurity education and preparing students for leadership roles in the increasingly crucial field of cyber defense.
“Trustee Miller embodies the spirit of perseverance, dedication, and leadership that we aim to instill in every student who walks our halls,” said Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, President of Talladega College. “Her stellar career is a testament to the power of education and the importance of cybersecurity in our world today. It is fitting that our cutting-edge Center for Cybersecurity bears her name.” Through her own generous donation, and leveraging her vast network, including the Scripps Family Foundation, over $1.5 million has been donated to this project. With these contributions, Miller has helped ensure that Talladega College students can prepare to undertake careers of their own in the rapidly expanding field of cybersecurity.
Miller has had a distinguished career in the field of cybersecurity. She is a career member of the elite Senior Executive Service. Miller held the position of Acting Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Department of Defense and has served in various cybersecurity leadership roles within the federal government for over three decades. Throughout her career, Miller has championed cybersecurity education and has been instrumental in shaping policy and guiding strategic initiatives to protect the nation’s cyberinfrastructure.
The Center for Cybersecurity was established at Talladega College in collaboration with the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. The Center is recognized nationally for its rigorous academic and research programs in cyber defense and has been instrumental in preparing students for careers protecting our nation’s digital infrastructure.
Dr. Vincent added, “The Essye B. Miller Center for Cybersecurity will continue to uphold the high standards set by Trustee Miller. We will educate the next generation of cyber defense leaders, contributing not only to the security of our nation but also to the broader global community.”
