Retired Army Col. Chris Mitchiner has joined the University of North Georgia as the executive director of the new Institute for Cyber Operations. Mitchiner's mission is to work with the academic programs on campus to build the UNG cyber program into one of the top programs in the country.

The nation's six senior military colleges, which include UNG, the federally designated Military College of Georgia, received approximately $1.475 million each in federal money to establish Department of Defense cybersecurity institutes in fall 2020 as pilot programs on their campuses. UNG now has a total of over $4 million for the institute covering the 2020-21 through 2022-23 academic years. The new Institute for Cyber Operations will build from the work of the Center for Cyber Operations Education by overseeing the DOD program, including extending cyber activity to new areas not yet addressed.

Cybersecurity is an international issue that touches on all aspects of the military, government and private sector.  According to job market data from CyberSeek, there are more than 17,000 cyber job openings just in Georgia. UNG is already addressing these workforce needs through its cyber bachelor's degree, minor and graduate certificate program, as well as through the DOD-funded summer programs for students and teachers.

This university is poised to become a beacon of cybersecurity expertise and excellence, which will provide many opportunities. Cybersecurity is not going anywhere. It's here to stay.

Among Mitchiner's responsibilities are developing opportunities for cyber research with government, military and corporate partners and raising additional funds for scholarships for students and for faculty support. He will also work with programs across the university, such as health care, to identify the best ways to bring cybersecurity knowledge to related industries.

A 1991 UNG alumnus, he began his Army service in the infantry, then spent 22 years in military intelligence, which included some work in cybersecurity during his last two years. He worked in various private-sector cybersecurity jobs for more than four years before he accepted the job at UNG.

Dr. Mary Gowan, dean of UNG's Mike Cottrell College of Business, appreciates the experience Mitchiner brings to the institute.

"We are excited to welcome Col. Chris Mitchiner to the cyber program at UNG," Gowan said. "In his new role, he will build upon the solid foundation established by Dr. Bryson Payne, who will continue to work with the student programs, and the cyber faculty. The Institute under Chris’ leadership will extend UNG's work in cyber operations education to a larger audience. We are especially pleased to have a UNG cadet alumnus in this strategic position."

Mitchiner said it is vital to stay updated on the ever-changing realities in a dynamic field like cybersecurity. He said UNG is well positioned to continue to lead on this front.

"There's not a part of today's world that is not touched by cyber," Mitchiner said. "This university is poised to become a beacon of cybersecurity expertise and excellence, which will provide many opportunities. Cybersecurity is not going anywhere. It's here to stay."