The University of Phoenix announced on Mar. 26 that it has received the EC-Council 2025 Academia Partner of the Year Award for the second consecutive year. The award, presented by the EC-Council Academia division, recognizes academic institutions and faculty who demonstrate innovation and dedication in preparing students for careers in cybersecurity.
This recognition is significant as it highlights efforts to address workforce needs in cybersecurity, a field with growing demand. The award was given to institutions selected from more than 2,200 applicants and honors those advancing diverse cybersecure skillsets among students as they prepare for an increasingly digital world.
“We are proud this recognition reflects our university-wide commitment to aligning education with workforce needs, including the growing demand for cybersecurity expertise,” said Christina Neider, Ed.D., associate provost at University of Phoenix. “Through the leadership of our colleges and the integration of industry-leading standards, we intentionally design programs that help working adult learners build the knowledge and skills to pursue their professional goals.”
J.L. Graff, Ed.D., associate dean for the College of Business and IT at University of Phoenix, said: “Receiving the EC-Council Academia Partner of the Year Award for the second consecutive year demonstrates our commitment to advancing cybersecurity learning. Building on five years of Academia Circle of Excellence recognition, we continue working with EC-Council to enrich curriculum and provide our students with practical, industry-aligned knowledge for today’s workplace.”
Jay Bavisi, Group President at EC-Council said: “The cybersecurity program at University of Phoenix challenges students in courses and extra-curricular activities to think critically, respond under pressure, and continuously adapt as threats evolve.” He added that their collaboration shows how academia and industry can work together “to raise the standard of cybersecurity education,” helping learners enter professional roles prepared.
The College offers degree programs aligned with select industry-leading EC-Council certification exams as well as individual courses focused on specific skills. Its faculty bring an average professional experience exceeding three decades.
According to the official website, University of Phoenix works to address barriers faced by underserved communities seeking higher education opportunities. The university features both a physical campus in Phoenix and online course delivery options across more than 100 career-focused programs linked to over 300 professions.
It serves students nationwide while holding accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission according to its official website. The institution aims to equip graduates with skills necessary for career advancement, organizational improvement, and community leadership.
