IT-Networking
The Information Technology- Networking department was featured in the Community College Daily for their success in the MentorLinks grant. The MentorLinks grant provided resources which enabled the department to expand its cybersecurity offerings which assisted in attaining the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education designation from the NSA/DHS. http://www.ccdaily.com/2020/01/learning-from-the-experts/

CSIS – Computer Information Systems
The Computer Science and Information Systems department hosted the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) Western Missouri and Kansas 2020 Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Award Ceremony and Reception on Friday, February 21st. The Aspirations in Computing program is designed to recognize and celebrate High School and College women’s technical aspirations and abilities, and the educators who support them. The CSIS Department is a member of the AiC Community as well as the NCWIT Academic Alliance. Professor Perla Weaver helped coordinate the event and welcomed participants, family, industry and academic partners for this wonderful celebration. The ceremony, activities and reception were held in the Hudson Auditorium and Regnier Center.

Professor Jacob Kier nominated CIS student Thomas Soteros last fall for the League of Innovation’s 2019 Terry O’Banion Student Technology Award. Thomas was selected as “2019 Student Developer Champion”. Professor Kier and Thomas plan to attend the 2020 Innovations Conference in Seattle March 1-4th, where Thomas will receive a plaque and $2500 to use toward his continued education. The CSIS department thanks Prof. Kier for taking the time to recognize the accomplishments of our students and congratulates Thomas Soteros on this well-deserved recognition!

On February 20th, Professor Perla Weaver, chair of the CSIS department, participated in the PLTW Computer Science Teacher Mentor Day. Professor Weaver was invited to facilitate the Computer Science AP breakout session. Professor Weaver provided updates on the new and upcoming changes to the AP Computer Science courses, best teaching practices, opportunities for professional development, and facilitated sharing among High School teachers.

Professor Mindi Leftwich has been serving as a sponsor for the Active Minds club, working to increase mental health awareness for the JCCC community. The Active Minds club is currently working on multiple events on campus.

The CSIS department has established a new collaboration with the Academic Achievement Center to provide increased tutoring support for students in CS and CIS courses. The AAC is already providing one-on-one tutoring help for courses in Computer Science and Information Systems and will add drop-in tutoring help in RC 335 soon.

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