Key Takeaways
- Cedarville University students and a faculty member serve in the Ohio Air National Guard’s cyberspace wing, defending critical infrastructure and communication systems.
- The program combines rigorous academics with hands‑on cyber competitions such as the National Cyber League and Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.
- Cedarville’s cybersecurity curriculum is NSA‑designated for excellence, training students to think like attackers to better defend networks.
- Service in the Air National Guard requires one weekend per month, two weeks of annual training, and possible four‑to‑six‑month active‑duty deployments, demanding significant personal commitment.
- The initiative reflects a growing national priority: securing digital assets as society becomes increasingly dependent on technology.
Introduction:
The front lines of national defense have expanded beyond traditional aircraft, weapons, and ground troops to include servers, networks, and lines of code. In response, Cedarville University has positioned three cybersecurity‑focused students and one faculty member within the Ohio Air National Guard’s specialized cyberspace wing. This unit leverages cyber capabilities to support modern air power and counter evolving digital threats, illustrating how academic training directly contributes to national security efforts.
Student and Faculty Participants:
The student contingent comprises David Lamoreaux, a junior majoring in computer science and cyber operations; Bruce Wilson Jr., a sophomore pursuing the same double major; and Teja Kumbha, a junior IT management major. They are joined by Stephanie Long, assistant professor of cybersecurity, who guides their work protecting critical infrastructure, communication systems, and sensitive information. Together, they exemplify the integration of classroom learning with real‑world military service in the cyber domain.
Faculty Perspective on Cybersecurity’s Reach:
Stephanie Long emphasizes that cybersecurity permeates every facet of contemporary life, from national defense and business operations to nonprofit organizations and personal data protection. She notes the rising demand for professionals who comprehend complex systems and can defend them effectively in an interconnected world. Long’s insight underscores why institutions like Cedarville are prioritizing cybersecurity education to meet both civilian and military needs.
Student View on the Escalating Threat Landscape:
David Lamoreaux, who has served in the Ohio Air National Guard since 2020, explains that as society’s reliance on technology grows, safeguarding information becomes paramount. He observes that any actor with sufficient time and resources—often a nation‑state—can eventually reach valuable data. The Guard’s role, therefore, is to make unauthorized access as difficult, time‑consuming, and costly as possible, thereby raising the adversary’s operational threshold.
Innovation Starts with Today’s Students:
Lamoreaux also asserts that the next generation of cybersecurity tools and technologies will be forged by students like himself. By adopting a security‑first mindset during software and system development, they can strengthen entire ecosystems and reduce vulnerabilities across industries worldwide. This proactive approach transforms academic projects into tangible contributions that enhance global cyber resilience.
Academic Preparation and Competitive Training:
Cedarville University equips students for these challenges through a rigorous curriculum complemented by hands‑on learning opportunities. Participation in events such as the National Cyber League Competition, Collegiate Penetration Testing Competition, and Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition provides realistic offensive and defensive cyber training. These competitions simulate real‑world scenarios, allowing students to hone skills that translate directly to Guard missions and civilian cybersecurity roles.
NSA Recognition and Career Pathway‑Recognized Excellence:
As one of a select group of programs designated by the National Security Agency for excellence in cybersecurity education, Cedarville’s curriculum is validated for its depth and relevance. The NSA recognition signals that graduates possess the analytical ability to think like attackers, a crucial perspective for defending critical networks. This credibility opens doors to high‑impact positions in government agencies, defense contractors, and private sector firms seeking top‑tier cyber talent.
Commitments of Air National Guard Service:
Serving in the Ohio Air National Guard extends beyond professional development; it demands substantial personal commitment. After completing basic training and technical school, students dedicate one weekend each month to drill, two weeks annually for extended training, and may be called to active‑duty deployments lasting four to six months. Stephanie Long praises the students for prioritizing service to their country over personal convenience, highlighting the discipline, character, and sense of purpose that such commitment fosters.
About Cedarville University and Closing Thoughts:
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, enrolls 7,265 students across undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs. It ranks among Ohio’s largest private universities and is listed among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. The university is known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and strong graduation and retention rates. As these students prepare for basic training, they step into pivotal roles that help defend national security in an increasingly digital and interconnected world, embodying the mission of Cedarville to integrate faith, learning, and service.
Air National Guard images by Master Sgt. Joseph Harwood.