Posted on September 28, 2015 by KC Gonzalez
Kudla Foundation Research Laboratory Dedication
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) College of Business dedicated the Kudla Foundation Research Laboratory last week in UTSA’s North Paseo Building.
The laboratory was named for business alumni Nancy, MBA ’87 and Frank Kudla, ’85 for their unwavering support of the college’s cyber security program.
“The Kudlas are pioneers in the field of information technology,” said UTSA President Ricardo Romo. “Today we are here recognizing an important occasion in support of UTSA’s cyber security initiative.”
Joined by their family as well as UTSA faculty, students and administrators, the Kudlas unveiled the new laboratory which will be utilized by cyber security students to train for cyber competitions.
“We have high expectations for the College of Business to ascend to the Top Tier,” said Nancy Kudla. “We believe the cyber security program is going to lead the way.” Speaking to the students she said, “Show the rest of the world what UTSA can do. You are in a great place to build your skills.”
The Kudlas were recognized for their $500,000 gift to establish the Nancy and Frank Kudla Endowed Fellowship in Information Assurance and Security in the College of Business. The fellowship supports graduate research and education and allows the college to recruit the best and brightest in the field of cyber security. Since the program’s inception, three students have been named Kudla fellows.
“The Kudla’s transformational gift will make a lasting impact in UTSA’s cyber security mission,” said Wm. Gerard Sanders, dean and Bodenstedt Chair in the College of Business. “Through their generosity we are able to provide our students with the resources and support that are crucial in growing our reputation in cyber security.”
UTSA was named the No. 1 ranked cyber security program in the country according to a national survey of certified information technology security professionals conducted by the Ponemon Institute. And, the UTSA cyber security program was one of the first programs in the nation to be designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in both Information Assurance/Cyber Defense Education and Information Assurance Research by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
The College of Business has been offering cyber security classes since 2001. The college currently offers a bachelor’s degree in cyber security, a MBA concentration in cyber security, a master’s degree in information technology with a concentration in cyber security and a doctoral program with a concentration in information technology.
— KC Gonzalez
