The Future of Education
Building a Cybersecurity Faculty Network for HBCUs: A Collaborative Approach to Curriculum Development and Professional Growth
Marcus Isaiah Brumfield, Tougaloo College (United States)
Abstract
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) face growing pressure to develop robust cybersecurity programs despite faculty resources, training opportunities, and funding limitations. This abstract proposes the creation of a collaborative faculty network specifically designed to support cybersecurity educators at HBCUs. The network would be a centralized platform for faculty to access and exchange curated teaching materials, sample syllabi, certification study guides, and hands-on lab resources. It would also foster peer mentorship and connect faculty with cybersecurity professionals and organizations to help guide curriculum development and industry-aligned training. In addition to professional community-building, the network would promote a "train-the-trainer" model by offering pathways for faculty to engage in free or low-cost online courses and virtual environments such as Cisco Packet Tracer and Hack The Box. This experience-based proposal aims to strengthen HBCU cybersecurity programs by enriching faculty expertise, aligning student learning outcomes with workforce needs, and increasing academic and career-building opportunities. Through this initiative, HBCUs can create a sustainable, community-driven solution that elevates educator capacity and student success in cybersecurity.
Keywords: HBCUs, cybersecurity education, faculty development, curriculum collaboration, online learning, professional networks
REFERENCES
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