Barbara Ritter, Dean, Davis College of Business & Technology – Jacksonville University

In an interview with Invest:, Dean Barbara Ritter of the Davis College of Business & Technology at Jacksonville University discussed recent achievements and strategic advancements, including earning a prestigious cybersecurity designation and enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration.

How did Davis College of Business & Technology earn its recent NSA and Homeland Security designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Education?

This designation is exciting for us. A couple of years ago, we intensified our efforts to become a visionary hub of cybersecurity expertise and training for Northeast Florida. We launched our STEAM initiative, which is an interdisciplinary institute designed to foster innovation and build industry-relevant skills in areas where future talent is highly in demand. This includes the capacity for high-level training in cybersecurity via the introduction of our cyber range.

We envisioned our cyber range in collaboration with Florida Blue, aiming to provide a hyper-realistic cyber simulation platform for all skill levels. This platform is not only used by our industry partners but also integrates into our curriculum, preparing our students to be industry ready. With the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals, we can help fill this gap in our local community. We’re also engaging with local K-12 schools, particularly high schools and middle schools, providing them access to simulation training and advanced lab exercises. Many of these students are incredibly talented in this field and providing them with such resources is essential.

Achieving this designation was an important milestone in our strategic plan for the cyber range. Our goal is to be the nexus of cybersecurity expertise and knowledge sharing for Northeast Florida and beyond. This includes partnerships with industry, local schools, and higher education institutions. Since the designation, we’ve seen undergraduate freshmen deposits increase by 250% from 2021 to 2023, indicating a growing interest in our cybersecurity and computer science programs.

Additionally, we’ve expanded our offerings to include master’s level programs. We now have a concentration in cybersecurity strategy for our MBA and are planning to introduce a standalone M.S. degree in cybersecurity.

How does the unique relationship between Jacksonville University, its alumni, and the local community contribute to the university’s programs?

Jacksonville University has a profound connection with Northeast Florida, a relationship that deeply benefits both our students and the broader community. Our alumni, who are numerous and reside nearby, play a significant role in this dynamic. They are eager to give back by developing programs, mentoring, and hiring our students, demonstrating their commitment to the university and its current students.

Beyond our alumni, our industry partners also significantly enhance what we offer. Their input has been crucial, for example, in establishing new academic programs such as our undergraduate major and graduate concentration in fintech. This was in direct response to the growing local demand in the fintech sector. Our industry partners expressed a need for expertise, and we were able to quickly adapt and fulfill this need by preparing our students to enter this field.

This synergy among our alumni, industry partners, and the university not only strengthens our educational offerings but also builds talent pipelines that serve the city’s evolving needs. Students are attracted to Jacksonville University for these opportunities, the vibrant local scene, and of course, the appeal of Florida, which includes beautiful weather. Despite the challenges posed by inflation, Jacksonville remains a diverse, interesting, and accepting place with a relatively accessible cost of living. This combination of excellent education, strong industry connections, and a supportive community creates an attractive package for the many students choosing to relocate here for their studies.

How does Jacksonville University foster interdisciplinary collaboration among its students across different majors?

We strategically place related but distinct majors in close proximity to break down the traditional silos found in higher education. We believe that true opportunity lies at the intersections of disciplines, and leveraging these synergies has proven to be highly effective. This approach not only enhances faculty involvement in interdisciplinary efforts but also underscores the pervasive role of technology in every business area.

For instance, our students from different fields collaborate extensively: aviation and engineering students work together on projects like 3D printing airplane models, while computer science and engineering students build robots and fly drones. Business and analytics students partner with computer science peers to develop websites that integrate with marketing strategies.

Such interdisciplinary projects don’t just benefit community partners; they also significantly enrich our students’ learning experiences by involving them in multidisciplinary teams. Entrepreneurship is another thriving area at our university. Our Dolphin Pitch event, which has grown exponentially, showcases students from various majors collaborating to pitch business opportunities, secure investments, and advance their ideas.

By encouraging students to work with peers from different fields, we enhance their ability to innovate and solve problems more effectively, preparing them to excel in diverse professional environments. This interdisciplinary nature of our programs allows our students to take their skills to the next level, aligning closely with industry practices that also eschew operating in silos.

How do you perceive the current generation of students entering the workforce, and what do you identify as their strengths and weaknesses?

This generation of students has been remarkably adaptive, having navigated significant changes, including the shift to virtual schooling during the pandemic. These experiences have shaped their expectations for flexibility in both education and the workplace. They value face-to-face interaction, but also appreciate the option to choose flexible learning formats. For instance, while our undergraduate students generally prefer in-person classes, our graduate students often opt for more flexible, virtual options.

Their adaptability extends to communication; they’ve become adept at using digital platforms for collaboration and social interaction. However, they recognize a need to enhance their public speaking and professionalism skills, having missed out on live interaction during the pandemic.

These students are not just surviving; they are reshaping workplace norms. They’ve advocated for themselves and have driven changes in how work is structured, showing incredible resilience and determination. At Jacksonville University, we’ve observed their proactive approach to education and career preparation. They actively engage in networking, participate in internships, and even start their own businesses while still in college. Our student athletes exemplify this drive particularly well, managing rigorous schedules that combine academics, sports, and professional development.

This generation also benefits from a robust support system at the university, including success coaching and mentoring. Their grit and persistence, often with a bit of guidance and encouragement from us, are truly inspiring. They are a testament to the strength and potential of young professionals today.

How is the demand and adoption for certificate programs at the college?

We offer a number of certificate programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. They are increasingly popular among our current students who see them as valuable add-ons to their degrees, providing an additional credential that enhances their employability. For our master’s programs, we’re focusing on offering these certificates in a flexible format, which we know is highly attractive to graduate students. The concept of stackable credentials allows students to customize their education to align with their personal career goals. By stacking these certificates, they can ultimately achieve a full master’s degree. This approach is something we are actively promoting and developing, as it aligns with the current trends in higher education and professional development.