Dr. Tommy Morris, founding director of the Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education (CCRE) at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, accepting 10-years of Excellence Coin during the CCRE 10th Anniversary celebration.
Michael Mercier | UAH
The Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education (CCRE) at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), just celebrated its 10th anniversary since its establishment in 2015. The milestone was recognized at the Student Services Building on the UAH campus, a part of The University of Alabama System.
As a tribute to 10 years of sustained excellence, UAH President Charles L. Karr presented Dr. Tommy Morris, the founding director of the Center, with a CCRE 10-Years of Excellence Coin. The symbols on the coin reflect the CCRE’s expertise in the areas of software, engineering, cybersecurity, teaching and outreach, as well as the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity hardware.
“This is a critical area of great importance in the community where we reside,” Karr said in welcoming guests to the event. “Tommy Morris has done a tremendous job as the CCRE founder and in continuing to move it forward.”
The CCRE offers an interdisciplinary approach to defending cyber physical systems, embedded weapon systems and Supervisory Data Control and Acquisition (SCADA) networks, as well as data and computer operating systems, from adversarial attacks. In addition to providing educational opportunities such as camps and scholarships, the CCRE also engages in cutting-edge research on a wide variety of cybersecurity-related topics, including identity management, supply chain security, intrusion detection, vulnerability analysis, medical device security and digital forensics.
“As the Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education celebrates its 10th anniversary, it is only fitting to honor the whole CCRE team,” added Dr. Robert Lindquist, the UAH vice president for research and economic development. “CCRE has transformed from a small operation in the Systems Management and Production (SMAP) Center's spare offices to a major cybersecurity hub with over 50 full-time and 20 part-time staff members, and more than 100 student workers, all anticipating their new home in the Bevill Center. CCRE is one of the nation's largest academic cybersecurity centers.”
Drawing on over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity and engineering, Morris spearheaded the creation of the UAH Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering degree program, designed to prepare students for challenging cybersecurity roles. “It really is about CCRE, and the CCRE is all about people,” Morris said in receiving the 10-year recognition.
“The CCRE has achieved significant milestones and become a national leader in cybersecurity research, education, outreach and workforce development,” Lindquist noted. “CCRE attained over $10 million in external contract expenditures in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 fiscal years, ranking fifth among all UAH research centers. CCRE’s efforts have led to UAH's continued designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research and Cyber Defense, which is a true testament to the center’s advanced cybersecurity research.”
UAH is a member of the Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C) community, a group of community colleges, colleges and universities that hold a designation from the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program.
UAH is also leading a four-university coalition to advance cybersecurity education through Virtual Internship and Varied Innovative Demonstrations (VIVID). This three-year program is funded by a $3.2 million grant from the Department of Defense. The nationwide coalition includes Augusta University in Georgia, Florida International University and The University of Arizona. Morris is the Principal Investigator of the effort, with Sharon Johnson, deputy director of the CCRE, acting as Co-Investigator.
“As we celebrate this decade of achievement, we acknowledge CCRE's unwavering dedication to innovation, education and service in the realm of cybersecurity,” Lindquist said in conclusion. “CCRE’s vision and commitment will undoubtedly continue to inspire future cybersecurity professionals, as they have certainly inspired all of us.”