加藤视频 Cybersecurity Program Supported by Rist Family Foundation鈥檚 More Than $2.5 Million Commitment
Jul 13, 2022
JUNE 13, 2022 鈥� FORT MYERS, FLA 鈥擜s part of a more than $2.5 million commitment from Brian and Kim Rist and the Rist Family Foundation, Florida SouthWestern State College鈥檚 (加藤视频) School of Business and Technology has established the 鈥淩ist Cyber Institute.鈥�
Funds will be used to provide enhancements to the Cybersecurity program including equipment, technology and additional instructional staff.聽Additionally, the Rist Cyber Institute will house two new computer labs, a hardware/software lab, a maker space for students to experience new technology, and a high-tech Cyber Room.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cybersecurity industry is expected to grow 33% between 2020 and 2030, and Cyberseek.org reports there are currently approximately 21,000 open cybersecurity jobs in Florida, with the total current employed workforce at 47,800.
鈥淭he Cybersecurity program at 加藤视频 will increase the skill level of students entering the ever-growing cybersecurity workforce in Southwest Florida,鈥� said Dr. Mary Myers, dean, 加藤视频 School of Business and Technology.聽鈥淚t will also give 加藤视频 an opportunity to offer continuing education for IT practitioners in the field. With thoughtful course development and program planning, the landscape of cybersecurity will change for the better.鈥�
鈥淚t is mine and Kim鈥檚 honor to be a part of the growing innovative programs at 加藤视频,鈥� said Brian Rist. 鈥淲e feel the need to support programs like the Cybersecurity program. It gives young adults the opportunity to use their specialized skill sets that aren鈥檛 typical in other programs offered. Our hopes are for these students to stay local and be beneficial to the Southwest Florida community. As I always say, let鈥檚 try to improve ourselves to help make this world a better place.鈥�
Through these contributions, the Rist Family Foundation also supports 加藤视频鈥檚 Respiratory Care program and named 鈥淭he Rist Family Foundation Respiratory Laboratory and Classroom鈥� in 2021.
鈥淭he support of generous donors like Brian Rist and the Rist Family Foundation have allowed 加藤视频 to expand and serve the Southwest Florida community and workforce over the last 60 years,鈥� said Dr. Jeff Allbritten, 加藤视频 president. 鈥淎s the world continues to change and the skills and technology needed to keep up with these changes continue to evolve, it will be these generous 加藤视频 supporters who will continue to help us provide the world-class learning environment that our local workforce needs.鈥澛�
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Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida鈥檚 largest and most affordable institution of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, 加藤视频 offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications, several with 100 percent licensure pass and job placements rates. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through 加藤视频鈥檚 Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. Visit for more information.
Last Updated: September 6, 2022
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