Center of Security Operations and Cyber Defense

The Center of Security Operations and Cyber Defense promotes research and innovation in cybersecurity, cyber defense, cloud security, artificial intelligence, digital forensics, and secure computing. Faculty and students collaborate on applied research projects that address real-world cybersecurity challenges while advancing knowledge and practical solutions.

Through partnerships with industry leaders such as Red Hat, Google, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), the Center provides access to emerging technologies, cloud platforms, professional certifications, and collaborative research opportunities. These partnerships strengthen workforce readiness and support innovation in cybersecurity education and practice.

The Center encourages student participation in research, cybersecurity competitions, grant-funded projects, and technology development initiatives, preparing graduates to become leaders in cybersecurity, technology innovation, and digital transformation.

Our Core Areas

Academic Excellence
Delivering high-quality cybersecurity education through innovative curricula, hands-on laboratories, industry certifications, experiential learning, and workforce-focused programs that prepare students for successful careers in cybersecurity and information technology.

Research and Innovation
Advancing cybersecurity knowledge through applied research, faculty and student collaborations, emerging technology exploration, cloud security initiatives, artificial intelligence research, and cyber defense innovation.

Industry Partnerships
Strengthening student success and workforce readiness through strategic collaborations with organizations such as Red Hat, Google, AWS, government agencies, and industry leaders to provide training, internships, mentoring, certifications, and research opportunities.

Community Outreach and Workforce Development
Increasing cybersecurity awareness and digital literacy through workshops, camps, training programs, seminars, and community engagement initiatives that support the development of a diverse and highly skilled cybersecurity workforce.

This structure gives the Center four pillars: Academic Excellence, Research & Innovation, Industry Partnerships, and Community Outreach, which aligns well with the vision of a modern university cybersecurity center.

Cyber Operations

BS | School of Business and Professional Studies

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Cyber Operations is for students who want to step into the forefront of technology and security in an era where digital threats are ever evolving. This program offers you opportunities in cybersecurity, specifically in the areas of ethical hacking and malware analysis. You can expect to pursue careers as systems analyst, penetration testers, and cyber threat hunters. If you have a strong interest in computers and information technology as it applies to security data, devices, and networks this program will ensure that you gain the technical skills in computers and networks needed for a career in the global landscape. No prior programming or technical experience is required to ensure your success.

Explore Cyber Operations

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Computer Science

BS, Minor | School of Business and Professional Studies

Shaw University offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science. Computer Science offers incredible opportunities as both a field of study and as a foundation for continued work in academic and professional areas. Computation and computer science are helping to change nearly all aspects of the world we live in, including science, business, society, communication, the humanities and social sciences. Students who have taken computer science courses at Shaw have helped change the world and continue to do so.

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Explore the Department of Computer Science

Advisory Board Focus

The Faculty Advisory Board provides guidance and recommendations to support the Department of Computer Science in curriculum development, student success, academic planning, external partnerships, and continuous program improvement on a yearly basis, covering the following:

• Advise Curriculum and Academic Programs: Computer Science (CS) and Cybersecurity (CYB).Support Student
• Development and Career Opportunities.
• Provide Guidance on Departmental Planning and Policies.
• Strengthen Industry and Community Partnerships.
• Evaluate and Promote Continuous Improvement.

Advisory Board Committee Members Affiliates

Department Chair
Dr. Kimberly Raiford
kraiford@shawu.edu

Cyber Operations Program Coordinator / Assistant Professor
Dr. Syed Raza
syed.raza@shawu.edu

Assistant Professor
Dr. Rasheed Graham
rasheed.graham@shawu.edu

Computer Science Program Coordinator / Instructor
Mr. Lionel Morgan
lionel.morgan@shawu.edu

Director of Digital Teaching and Learning
Jasmine Trotter, M.Ed
jasmine.trotter@shawu.edu

Director Of Networking and Infrastructure
Terrence Walker
terrence.walker@shawu.edu

External Advisory Board Committee Members
Dr. James Brown
Dr. Nyteisha Bookert
Dr. Kedrian James
Harold Bishop Ransom Jr.
Kobie Kareem Joyner

Industry Partnerships and Workforce Engagement

Shaw University maintains strong partnerships with regional cybersecurity organizations and workforce development initiatives to enhance academic excellence, workforce readiness, and industry engagement. The Department of Computer Science actively participates in the North Carolina Partnership for Cybersecurity Excellence (NC-PaCE), collaborating with educational institutions, industry leaders, and government agencies to advance cybersecurity education and strengthen the state’s cybersecurity workforce pipeline. The department is also a member of the Carolina Cyber Network (CCN), a statewide consortium of higher education institutions dedicated to addressing the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals across North Carolina’s public and private sectors. Through this collaboration, Shaw University contributes to statewide efforts that promote cybersecurity awareness, workforce development, and experiential learning opportunities for students.

In addition to these affiliations, Shaw University has established strategic partnerships with leading technology organizations, including:

• Red Hat, North Carolina
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academy
• Cisco Networking Academy

These partnerships provide students with access to industry-recognized certifications, hands-on training, cloud computing and networking technologies, professional development opportunities, and workforce-focused learning experiences that prepare graduates for successful careers in cybersecurity, information technology, and related fields.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

The National Cybersecurity Alliance provides a free toolkit if you sign up to become a 2026 “Champion”

• Tipsheet with actionable tips for making life hard for scammers
• 8 printable posters
• 16 social media graphics, a mix of both static and video
• 16 Instagram Story graphics, a mix of both static and video

Visit National Cybersecurity Alliance: https://www.staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month

Linkedin Groups

Please join the Secure North Carolina! LinkedIn group and post your events, job openings, research – anything that would be of interest to the NC cybersecurity community. Encourage your students to join too. As of today, there are 909 members.

Cyber Conferences

Cyber conferences can be found here: https://www.nc-pace.org/nc-cybersecurity-events

• UNC Charlotte – October 6-7
• UNC Wilmington – October 9 – 10
• All Things Open – October 19 – 20
• InfoSeCon – October 30
• NCCU – November 6th
• Bsides Raleigh – December 18th

Shaw University IT Help Desk for Students, Faculty, & Staff

Our help ticketing system is an alternative way to seek assistance alongside our phone and email support options. Use the link below to access the platform, create a new ticket, and our team will address your IT needs promptly.

Submit a help request via your web browser:
https://helpdesk.shawu.edu/

Submit a help request via email:
helpdesk@shawu.edu

Call: 919-546-8587

Accessing Email

Please use the following link to access your email from home or any location off-campus.
https://sso.shawu.edu.

Login with your ShawU username and password then click on the Outlook button.

If more assistance is needed, call the Help Desk support line at (919) 546-8587.

Recommended Cybersecurity Resources for Students and Faculty

Krebs on Security (KrebsonSecurity)
Krebs on Security provides in-depth coverage of cybersecurity incidents, threat intelligence, cybercrime trends, and data breaches. Students can use this resource to stay informed about real-world cybersecurity events, while faculty can incorporate current case studies and industry developments into classroom discussions and research activities.

Schneier on Security (Schneier on Security)
Authored by renowned cybersecurity expert Bruce Schneier, Schneier on Security offers thoughtful analysis of security technologies, cyber policy, privacy issues, and emerging threats. This resource helps students develop critical thinking skills related to cybersecurity, and it provides faculty with expert perspectives that can support teaching, scholarship, and professional development.

SANS NewsBites (SANS NewsBites)
SANS NewsBites delivers concise summaries of significant cybersecurity news and events from around the world. Students benefit from staying current on rapidly evolving security topics, while faculty can use these briefings to introduce timely discussions and connect course concepts with real-world cybersecurity challenges.

NSA Press Room and News Highlights (NSA Press Room)
The National Security Agency (NSA) Press Room provides official announcements, cybersecurity guidance, research updates, and information about national security initiatives. Students can explore government-led cybersecurity efforts and career pathways, while faculty can leverage authoritative resources and reports to enhance course content and academic research.

CISA Cybersecurity Advisories (CISA Cybersecurity Advisories)
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) publishes timely advisories on vulnerabilities, threats, and mitigation strategies affecting organizations worldwide. Students gain exposure to current cybersecurity risks and best practices, while faculty can use these advisories to demonstrate practical applications of risk management, incident response, and security operations.

Cybersecurity Guide (Cybersecurity Guide)
Cybersecurity Guide offers educational resources, career information, certification guidance, and industry insights for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Students can use the platform to explore career pathways, certifications, and educational opportunities, while faculty can recommend these materials as supplemental resources to support academic and professional growth.

Faculty and Student Engagement Statement
The Department of Computer Science encourages both students and faculty to regularly engage with these reputable cybersecurity resources to remain informed about emerging threats, technological advancements, policy developments, and workforce trends. Continuous engagement with industry and government sources strengthens cybersecurity awareness, supports lifelong learning, enhances classroom instruction, and prepares graduates to succeed in an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape.

Syed Raza
Associate Professor, Computer Information Technology
Email: syed.raza@shawu.edu
Phone: 919-582-4717

Kimberly Raiford, Ph.D.
Academic Division Chair – Science, Technology & Human Performance/Department Head- Health, Human & Life Sciences/Biology Program Coordinator/Curriculum Committee Chair
MSEIP Program Director
Phone: 919-546-8348

Shaw University
School of Business and Professional Studies
118 E. South Street
Raleigh, NC 27601