MGA - School of Computing

Students, don’t forget that there will be a registration table set up in the second-floor hallway of the PSC building on Monday, November 11 and Tuesday, November 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Stop by before or after class for help with course registration and to make sure you are ready for next semester!

For more information contact: Haley Jennings, Academic Advisor at: haley.jennings@mga.edu

The Association of Information Technology Students (AITS) hosted an engaging hands-on workshop titled “Build With Rizz: Crafting a Rig That Slays” on November 3 at the Cochran Campus, Roberts Library Room 117. Led by Dr. Alan Stines and Dr. Stephanie Edge, the event invited students to explore the art and science of PC building by merging technical precision with creative design. Participants learned how to optimize performance, customize hardware components, and assemble a functional computer from the ground up. The interactive session encouraged collaboration, innovation, and practical problem-solving, giving students valuable experience in hardware assembly and system configuration.

The Association of Women in Information Technology and Cybersecurity Students (AWITCS) hosted a powerful virtual discussion on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., featuring the School of Computing’s very own Dr. Kembley Lingelbach. The event, which focused on leadership, mentorship, and ethics in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, drew attendees from across MGA’s computing community. AWITCS officers coordinated, planned, and hosted the event, demonstrating exceptional leadership and collaboration in organizing a professional development opportunity that empowered and inspired participants. During the discussion, Dr. Lingelbach shared actionable strategies for empowering women in technology, fostering inclusive innovation, and cultivating confidence in navigating the rapidly evolving AI and cybersecurity landscape.

The 8th Annual Academic Cybersecurity Seminar brought together experts, students, and community partners from across Georgia to explore real-world issues in cybersecurity under this year’s theme, “Cybersecurity Takes a Village: Interdisciplinary Perspectives.”

Hosted by MGA’s School of Computing, the seminar featured engaging sessions led by professionals from Robins Financial Credit Union, Flint Energies, the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, Jones County Government, and Middle Georgia State University.
From protecting the power grid to building a culture of cybersecurity in education and healthcare, each talk showed how collaboration strengthens our defense against modern cyber threats.

📸 View event highlights and watch the full replay:
👉 www.mga.edu/computing/information-technology/academic-cybersecurity-seminar
🎥 Watch the livestream replay: YouTube.com/watch?v=PaH-23fIGRE

Middle Georgia State University’s School of Computing held its 8th Annual Academic Cybersecurity Seminar (ACS) on October 21, 2025, uniting faculty, students, and industry leaders for a day of discussion, innovation, and collaboration.

This year’s event was hosted by Dr. Alan Stines of the School of Information Technology, who welcomed a distinguished lineup of experts representing public safety, healthcare, education, and critical infrastructure. Each speaker shared valuable insights on how cybersecurity impacts every aspect of modern life—from protecting digital health systems to strengthening national infrastructure.

In recognition of their contributions, Dr. Kembley Lingelbach, also of the Department of Information Technology, School of Computing, presented each speaker with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the university.

Through dynamic presentations, engaging discussions, and cross-sector collaboration, the seminar reinforced MGA’s mission to prepare technology professionals who think critically, act ethically, and innovate securely in an ever-evolving digital world.

Celebrating Innovation, Research, and Collaboration Across the School of Computing

For more details about the Academic Cybersecurity Seminar including speaker profiles, session highlights, and event photos, visit MGA's Academic Cybersecurity Seminar Website.

Dr. Thomas Matyók, Associate Professor of Public Safety at Middle Georgia State University, brings a global and interdisciplinary approach to cybersecurity and peace studies. His expertise lies at the crossroads of conflict resolution, national security, and digital transformation. Dr. Matyók’s research explores how hybrid warfare strategies blend cyber operations with traditional conflict, emphasizing the importance of building societal resilience and ethical frameworks for technology use in defense and emergency management. His talk encouraged attendees to consider cybersecurity not just as a technical discipline, but as a pillar of national stability and public safety.

Siggy Tetteh, Chief Information Officer, and John Cozart, Chief Operating Officer, of Robins Financial Credit Union, delivered a compelling joint presentation on the human and organizational aspects of cybersecurity. Drawing on their experience leading one of Georgia’s largest credit unions, they highlighted how building a culture of teamwork, transparency, and shared responsibility strengthens digital defenses from within. Their message “Cybersecurity Culture Drives Teamwork,” underscored the essential role of leadership and communication in creating a resilient organization where every employee is part of the security solution.

As Chief Technology Officer of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, Adam Ham leads cybersecurity initiatives that strengthen the digital infrastructure protecting Georgia’s law enforcement and emergency response agencies. With over two decades of IT experience, he oversees cybersecurity training programs that prepare public safety professionals for emerging threats in digital communication and operational systems. His ACS presentation, “Cybersecurity Takes a Village,” reminded audiences that effective security culture must begin at the top, with leaders setting the tone for awareness, accountability, and resilience across organizations.

Ben Hubbard, Manager of Technology Infrastructure at Flint Energies, provides critical insight into securing the backbone of Georgia’s energy systems. With years of experience managing network operations, industrial control systems, and cybersecurity protocols, Hubbard’s perspective reflects the high-stakes reality of defending critical infrastructure. His ACS presentation offered a rare inside look at how electric cooperatives balance reliability, safety, and cybersecurity readiness, emphasizing that protecting the power grid requires both technological innovation and vigilant human oversight.

Jessica Sisa, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, and Dr. Adrian Baker, Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Science at Middle Georgia State University, bring a powerful interdisciplinary perspective to cybersecurity in healthcare. Together, they explore the intersection of patient care, clinical technology, and data security—emphasizing that protecting patient information is as vital as protecting patient health. Drawing from their extensive experience in rehabilitation and health sciences, they shed light on how connected systems such as AI-driven therapy tools, telehealth platforms, and wearable devices introduce both opportunities and vulnerabilities in modern care environments. Their joint presentation at the Academic Cybersecurity Seminar highlighted the urgent need for collaboration between clinicians and IT professionals to ensure that technological innovation enhances, rather than compromises, patient safety and privacy. By bridging clinical expertise with digital awareness, Sisa and Baker advocate for a healthcare ecosystem where ethical data stewardship and cybersecurity resilience are integral to every stage of rehabilitation and treatment.

Adam McGuire, Information Security Officer at Middle Georgia State University, plays a vital role in protecting the university’s data and digital environment. With expertise in phishing prevention, awareness training, and risk mitigation, McGuire leads educational campaigns that empower students and staff to recognize and respond to cyber threats. His ACS session, “Don’t Take the Bait,” offered a practical look at phishing tactics targeting college students and provided actionable guidance to improve digital literacy and institutional resilience against social engineering attacks.

Will Harp, IT Director for Jones County Government, has become a leading advocate for rural cybersecurity readiness. Managing all aspects of information technology for local government operations, Harp has firsthand experience addressing the resource limitations and infrastructure challenges that small municipalities face. His presentation explored the critical need for collaboration between local governments, educational institutions, and private partners to combat cyber threats. He emphasized that cybersecurity in rural Georgia is not just about defense, it’s about sustainability, economic stability, and protecting citizens’ trust in local institutions.

Dr. Luminita Hartle, Assistant Professor of Special Education, and Dr. Karen Ochoa, Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at Middle Georgia State University, offer a shared commitment to promoting ethical, inclusive, and secure technology use in educational environments. Together, they examine how emerging digital tools—particularly AI-driven platforms and online assessments—impact student privacy, accessibility, and data integrity. Drawing on their combined expertise in special education, instructional design, and teacher preparation, they advocate for responsible innovation that aligns with both ethical standards and federal compliance requirements such as FERPA. Their joint presentation at the Academic Cybersecurity Seminar emphasized the need for professional development and policy frameworks that equip educators to integrate technology safely and effectively. By bridging pedagogical best practices with cybersecurity principles, Drs. Hartle and Ochoa champion an approach to educational technology that protects vulnerable learners while fostering trust, equity, and academic integrity in digital learning spaces.

Department of Information Technology faculty members including Professor Tina Ashford, Dr. Christopher Hope, Dr. Kembley Lingelbach, and Dr. Alan Stines delivered an insightful presentation on Cybersecurity and Trends in AI during the annual Georgia State Retirees Association meeting. Their session combined practical strategies for staying safe online with an engaging introduction to the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Attendees learned how to recognize common cyber threats, strengthen digital security, and appreciate how AI is shaping the world of technology today. The event reflected the School of Computing’s dedication to community engagement, education, and promoting digital literacy across generations.

Professor Tina Ashford from the School of Computing led today's Beyond The Classroom seminar, “Fighting Misinformation: Recognizing Fake News and Escaping Echo Chambers.”
Using humor, visuals, and real-world examples, Ashford showed how false stories spread online and shared practical tips for spotting AI-generated content, fact-checking claims, and “cleaning up the slop” in our feeds.
“Curiosity is your weapon,” she told attendees. “When we step outside our bubbles and listen, truth has a chance to shine.”
The session reflected MGA’s commitment to helping students think critically, stay informed, and apply what they learn beyond the classroom.

Join us on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams for an engaging educational talk and live demo with Alex Young, Senior Developer at PrisCorp. In this interactive session, Alex will explore how developers can elevate their workflow using Claude Code, covering key topics such as what Claude Code is, effective prompting for development, code analysis and documentation made simple, and essential resources to help you get started. With more than 18 years of experience in backend technologies including Java, C#, and Adobe ColdFusion, Alex brings extensive expertise in Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, HTML, JavaScript (including AngularJS and jQuery), and CSS. Known for creating innovative, secure, and scalable web solutions, Alex combines technical excellence with a passion for mentorship and lifelong learning. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn practical techniques, ask questions, and see Claude Code in action! Join the meeting here

The School of Business now offers an exciting Career Pathway in Supply Chain Management (SCM)—open to students from any major! This opportunity helps students develop practical knowledge in logistics, transportation, and global supply strategy through a three-course sequence:

• SCM 3000: Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management

• SCM 4110: Global Supply Chain Strategy

• SCM 4130: Transportation and Warehouse Management

Students can gain real-world experience through an SCM internship and even pursue external certification as an Associate Professional in Supply Management® (APSM®) — with scholarships available.
For more information, contact the School of Business at 478-471-2724 or visit www.mga.edu/business

Learn more about the National Cyber League Competition at https://nationalcyberleague.org/.

The mission of the NCL Competition is to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by providing high school and college students, as well as their coaches, an online, safe platform of real-world cybersecurity challenges. We build pathways for students that lead to successful career placements in the cybersecurity field.

Individual Game Oct. 24 - 26 A weekend-long competitive event where individual players will attempt to solve as many challenges as they can.

Team Game Nov. 7 - 9 A weekend-long competitive event. Players will compete in teams of up to 7 and work to solve as many challenges as they can. You can also participate as a team of 1 if you would like to compete solo.

Middle Georgia State University becomes the University System of Georgia’s first institution to offer a Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI), designed to prepare students for careers in a fast-moving industry. Graduates of the program build careers in a variety of areas, including market research analysis, agri-tech data science, logistics, transportation planners and distribution managers, AI solutions architects, compliance managers, and computer and information system managers, among many other roles. Coursework in the new degree program will have several areas of focus for students to choose from: data science, advanced AI, and project leadership.

Prospective students of MGA’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence may contact: Dr. Myungjae Kwak, chair of the Department of Computer Science, at myungjae.kwak@mga.edu for additional information.

See the 13WMAZ feature on this new degree program: https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/middle-georgia-state-university-to-launch-ai-bachelors-program/93-865002dd-0fa3-4173-9ff3-3da82788a946.

Are you a current or recent MGA student? Please take advantage of this FREE certification offered through ISC2. For more information contact: Dr. Alan Stines at alan.stines@mga.edu.

Middle Georgia State University's Online Master of Science in Information Technology – Cyber Security & Forensics program has been ranked the #1 most affordable online Master's in Cybersecurity for 2025 by MastersInAI.org.

This declaration was made based on a series of independent reviews of degree programs in high-demand tech fields like AI and cybersecurity. The degree program was analyzed based on tuition, mandatory fees, and funding opportunities at nearly 250 universities to identify the 25 most affordable programs — all priced at or below $18,000. This recognition underscores Middle Georgia State University's commitment to keeping advanced cybersecurity education accessible and affordable.

View the ranking, research methodology, and the complete list here: https://www.mastersinai.org/degrees/affordable-online-masters-in-cybersecurity/.

We're ready for you to join us for a master's degree! Find out more at: https://www.mga.edu/computing/graduate-programs/index.php.

Together, let’s shape a brighter future for our students and chart the path to excellence in the world of computing. By contributing to the School of Computing, you will help fund cutting-edge technology, innovative programs, and scholarships that empower the next generation of tech leaders.

Every donation counts, and your commitment will be a driving force behind the success stories that emerge from our students, faculty, and alumni. Join us in making a difference today!

To make a gift to our School, go visit: https://giving.mga.edu/ and designate the School of Computing.

Thank you for being a crucial part of our journey!

Do you have an upcoming STEM or technology-related event, workshop, or career opportunity? The MGA School of Computing wants to help spotlight your efforts and connect our faculty and students with real-world experiences in science and technology.

• 📲 Scan the QR code, click the link below, or email us to share your event!
• 👉 Submit Your Event
• 📧 Email: socmarketing@mga.edu

Let’s collaborate to strengthen community partnerships and empower the next generation of innovators!

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• Location: 100 University Parkway, Macon, GA 31206, USA