College and tech firm partner to expand cybersecurity opportunities in region

SUNY Adirondack and Adirondack Technical Solutions signed a memorandum of understanding during a Dec. 19 ceremony in the Regional Higher Education Center on the Queensbury campus.

The agreement correlates to the college’s recently approved Cybersecurity degree, part of its Information Technology program.

“Adirondack Technical Solutions is a leader in cybersecurity, and our partnership will not only mean advanced opportunities for our students, but includes activities that engage other similar businesses in helping to introduce the IT jobs of the future to our region,” said SUNY Adirondack President Dr. Kristine Duffy.

Cybersecurity jobs increased 74% in the last 5 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“As we sign this agreement with Adirondack Technical Solutions, we want to thank them for their support in and out of the classroom as industry project reviewer, technology presenter, degree adviser and many consultations on the latest insights on technology and industry trends,” said Karen Woodard, associate professor of Networking Technology.

“Considered one of the top in demand job opportunities in IT, this degree fosters amazing opportunities for a new local IT talent pool for our community with potential growth of our local economy,” said Chuck Harrington, instructor of IT-Networking. “Our current student success in employment and transfer opportunities in the IT Computer Networking AAS degree leads the pathway as the base of the new IT Cybersecurity degree. This new degree expands on the hands-on learning environment blended with theory while incorporating three industry security certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA-Security and components of CEH, in addition to the Cisco certifications students currently pursue.”

“Working directly with the college to help influence job readiness and preparation is crucial in the IT industry,” said Jared Humiston, president of Adirondack Technical Solutions in Argyle. “Every business is impacted by technology, and working with the college to enhance these technical skill sets of the future workforce stands to benefit our community as a whole. We look forward to working with SUNY Adirondack for years to come and continue to help prepare the next generation for the continued evolution of technology.”