Spartanburg Community College Cybersecurity faculty selected for state cybersecurity externship
June 17, 2026
Spartanburg Community College (SCC) announced that Dr. Kenneth Gardner, Cybersecurity and Networking Instructor, has been selected to participate in the National Cybersecurity Training and Education Center (NCyTE) Cybersecurity Faculty Externship Program during Summer 2026.
As part of this competitive professional development opportunity, Dr. Gardner will complete an 80-hour externship with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Cyber Intelligence Center and the South Carolina Cyber Integration Center (SCCIC). The experience will provide firsthand exposure to cybersecurity operations, cyber intelligence activities, workforce development initiatives, and security operations center (SOC) practices.
The NCyTE Cybersecurity Faculty Externship Program is designed to strengthen the connection between cybersecurity education and the evolving needs of employers. During the externship, Dr. Gardner will observe real-world cybersecurity workflows, explore current workforce skill requirements, and gain insight into emerging technologies and best practices utilized by cybersecurity professionals throughout South Carolina.
Knowledge and experience gained through the externship will be incorporated into SCC’s cybersecurity curriculum through enhanced classroom instruction, updated hands-on laboratory experiences, and expanded experiential learning opportunities for students. The experience will also support the College’s ongoing efforts to strengthen industry partnerships, advance workforce development initiatives, and build upon its designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD).
“This opportunity allows us to bring current cybersecurity practices directly into the classroom while strengthening pathways between education and employment,” said Dr. Gardner. “Our goal is to ensure SCC students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in today’s cybersecurity workforce.”
The externship reflects the College’s commitment to providing high-quality, workforce-focused education that aligns with industry needs. “Our faculty play a critical role in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals,” said Dr. Michael Mikota, President of Spartanburg Community College. “Experiences like this ensure our students benefit from the latest industry knowledge, real-world applications, and strong connections to the employers and agencies shaping the future of cybersecurity.”
Cybersecurity continues to be one of the nation’s fastest-growing career fields, with increasing demand for skilled professionals across government, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, and technology sectors. Through opportunities such as the NCyTE Faculty Externship Program, SCC remains committed to preparing graduates with the technical expertise and practical experience needed to succeed in this dynamic industry.
For more information about SCC’s Cybersecurity and Networking program, visit www.sccsc.edu
