Professor Kwabena Konadu: The Cyber Initiative 

Chair of NOVA’s Cybersecurity program, Professor Kwabena Konadu, affectionately known as Professor KK, teaches a variety of courses in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Forensics, and Cloud Computing at NOVA’s Woodbridge Campus. Dedicated to his learning (he’s working on completing his doctorate), Professor KK has also been a crucial proponent to student success inside and outside the classroom. 

Alongside fellow NOVA faculty member William H. McLaughlin who founded ‘allcyber.org,’ the two NOVA professors formed ‘NOVA Cyber,’ a Saturday program at the Woodbridge Campus to help students train for cyber roles of the future. Fueled by dedicated professors, and committed NOVA alums, the program has successfully put NOVA on the national stage at cyber competitions. 

In 2019, NOVA was recognized as the 38th top school in the nation during the National Cyber League (NCL) season competition. In the pool of competitors, 5,026 students represented 419 schools across the U.S. 

https://cyberskyline.com/data/power-ranking/spring-2019-national

Professor KK started his career as a Systems Engineer at a variety of different companies and inserts industry experience into his teaching methods. He is CISSP, CASP, CEI, CEH certified, and holds a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from George Mason University in Telecommunication Networks. He also has a degree in Physics from Washington College. Additionally, he was a part of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and inducted into the National Society of Black Engineers during his years of studies. Before joining NOVA, Professor KK was an adjunct professor at George Washington University. 

A few of his thoughts: 

Daily Flyer: What made you want to launch NOVA Cyber? 

We were inspired to launch NOVA Cyber through ALLCYBER (a non-profit organization founded by Professor McLaughlin, www.allcyber.org) to bridge the gap from the courses in the classroom to a thriving professional career for our students. We created ‘NOVA Cyber’ to help mentor and train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals who will help defend the constant threats against our national security and critical infrastructures. 

It was launched to create a training environment for students and the public to develop and validate cybersecurity knowledge and skills using content that aligns with industry certifications that prepare students for the workforce. 

Daily Flyer: As a professor, how proud are you to see students from NOVA who have gone on to four-year institutions or have graduated from four-year institutions after leaving NOVA – and see them come back to volunteer on Saturdays to mentor current NOVA students? 

I am excited beyond measure to see our former students pursuing B.S. and M.S. degrees while volunteering to help train those who need guidance to reach their professional goals. I am grateful for that transition because they have not forgotten the once they left behind. Professor McLaughlin and I remember spending countless hours with many of these former student volunteers, so we are glad to see them back contributing to our student’s and program success. 

Daily Flyer: What are your thoughts on NOVA ranking nationally in the National Cyber League? 

I am not that surprised about our high ranking because the majority of our students and team participants worked hard in the classroom. This involved practicing and extra work on the weekends. These types of exercises validated their knowledge and skills in challenging environments. Their hard work paid off. 

The National Cyber League ranking also confirms that NOVA’s cybersecurity program does provide a curriculum that is mapped to DHS and NSA cybersecurity education standards and is designated by the agencies as a Center of Academic Excellence. 

Daily Flyer: What are your thoughts on NOVA being named the top-ranked institution in Virginia for Cyber? 

Students who earn an AAS Cybersecurity degree from NOVA will be prepared for a variety of careers. NOVA can now compete at both state and national levels. It is a testament to the many knowledgeable faculty members who are experts in the classroom and the field.