Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) has been named a recipient of the 2025 EC-Council Academia Circle of Excellence Award, a prestigious honor recognizing outstanding leadership in cybersecurity education, innovation and workforce development.
Presented by EC-Council, a global leader in cybersecurity certification and training, the Academia Circle of Excellence Award is one of the organization’s highest distinctions. It recognizes institutions that demonstrate exceptional commitment to advancing cybersecurity instruction, student success and community impact across both credit and non-credit programs.
CGCC was selected among thousands of academic partners worldwide, including universities, community colleges, technical institutes, K-12 districts and training centers. The college is one of only five institutions in North America to receive the 2025 award, highlighting the strength and reputation of its cybersecurity program on an international stage.
“We are honored to receive such a prestigious award,” said Barbara Gonzalez, Division Chair of CGCC’s Business & Computing Studies. “Our Cybersecurity program continues to grow thanks to our dedicated faculty and the district Cyber Range grant secured by Chandler-Gilbert, benefiting colleges across the district.”
The award is based on excellence across several key areas, including program innovation, experiential learning opportunities, student and alumni engagement, EC-Council certification outcomes and active participation in EC-Council academic initiatives.
CGCC’s cybersecurity program continues to expand in both scope and impact, offering students hands-on simulations, industry-aligned curriculum and opportunities to earn globally recognized certifications. The program’s success is driven by its dedicated faculty, including Cybersecurity professors Mizan Rahman, Josh DeLano and Scott Miller, whose instruction and mentorship help prepare students for real-world challenges in the field.
As part of the recognition, CGCC has been featured on the EC-Council Global Awards website, included in the 2025 EC-Council Academia Curriculum Guide and highlighted in EC-Council’s annual press release announcing award recipients. The college will also receive an official award badge and an engraved plaque commemorating the achievement.
This honor reflects CGCC’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, workforce-driven cybersecurity education and preparing the next generation of professionals to protect the digital frontier.