LA PLATA, Md. – Lakisha Ferebee, associate professor and cybersecurity department chair at the College of Southern Maryland, placed eighth in the 2024 USC Cyber Challenge Learn-A-Thon Instructor Competition, hosted by Cisco Networking Academy. Among 248 instructors nationwide, Ferebee was recognized for her commitment to student engagement and excellence in cybersecurity education.
The Learn-A-Thon, organized by Cisco Networking Academy, provides hands-on cybersecurity training for students and instructors. Lakisha Ferebee incorporated four modules into her classes: Introduction to Cybersecurity, Networking Basics, Network Defense, and Cyber Threat Management. Forty-two students across her courses participated, gaining practical skills in a competitive environment.
“This competition gave students a chance to experience cybersecurity in a real-world, competitive setting,” Ferebee said. “They showed up, put in the work, and took ownership of their learning. I could not be prouder of how they performed.”
Awards and Recognition
Lakisha Ferebee’s achievement earned her a Cisco Prize Kit, including Cisco Wireless Airbuds, a Cisco-branded Tumbling Tower game, and five CCST Cybersecurity certification vouchers from Certiport for her students. These vouchers will help students pursue industry certifications, boosting their career opportunities in cybersecurity.
Cisco Networking Academy praised Lakisha Ferebee for her role in preparing students for high-demand careers. Her work supports CSM’s cybersecurity program, recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense 2-Year Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
CSM’s Cybersecurity Program
Lakisha Ferebee leads CSM’s cybersecurity program, which ranks among the top 10 associate degree programs in the United States for 2025, according to Intelligent.com. The program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate, preparing students for roles in digital forensics, information assurance, and network security, as well as certifications like CompTIA and Certified Ethical Hacker.
In 2024, CSM opened advanced cyber labs at its Prince Frederick and Leonardtown campuses, funded by over $400,000 from The Patuxent Partnership. These facilities enhance hands-on learning for students.
“This achievement is a reflection of Professor Ferebee’s commitment to innovation in the classroom and her passion for student success,” said Dr. Bernice Brezina, dean of CSM’s School of STEM and Professional Studies.
Workforce Impact
Lakisha Ferebee’s success underscores the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals, especially in Maryland, where 24,188 cybersecurity job openings were posted from September 2023 to August 2024. CSM supports students with scholarships, such as the Frank Poole Memorial Cybersecurity Scholarship, to meet this demand.
Lakisha Ferebee’s leadership strengthens CSM’s role in building the next generation of cybersecurity experts. For more information, visit CSM’s cybersecurity program page.
