President of Republic of Georgia’s Caucasus University Visits NJCU to Report on Academic Partnership

JERSEY CITY, N.J. | Caucasus University (CU) President Dr. Kakha Shengelia visited New Jersey City University (NJCU) on August 14 to report on the on-going international academic partnership in cybersecurity and computer science between NJCU and CU, an institution located in Republic of Georgia.
 

• Conference Photos (Credit: Camila Salomon):

In Spring 2022, NJCU announced an innovative international academic partnership with Caucasus University to offer students the ability to complete a 1+1+1 bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. This accelerated joint degree program is the first of its kind between the universities and allows students to have access to cybersecurity experts and faculty across both institutions. Through the international program, students from CU will be taught by instructors on their campus in year one, NJCU and CU will share instruction in year two on the Caucasus campus in Tbilisi, Georgia, and students will complete their third year on NJCU’s campus in Jersey City as part of an exchange agreement. The first cohort of Georgian students are expected to be on NJCU’s campus taking classes for their final semester in Spring 2025.

The joint degree program successfully completed its first year during the 2022-23 academic year with a cohort of 39 Georgian students who all remained in the program and met all academic standards. President Shengelia announced the program has more than 120 applicants for the second cohort which starts in September 2023.

During the conversation on campus, leaders from both institutions discussed how the program has progressed since its launch in Fall 2022, the impact it has had on students, the program’s overall ongoing success, and the long-term positive impacts of students earning this degree and contributing to the security and growth of the Georgian people and the Republic of Georgia.

President Shengelia, who is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Association of University Presidents, shared that, due to this partnership, NJCU is celebrated in the Republic of Georgia as a great American institution that is leading the way in helping to secure the Georgian critical infrastructure by educating Georgian citizens on the critically growing international field of cybersecurity.

Representing NJCU at the discussion were Dr. Marvin Walker, Dean of the College of Professional Studies, along with faculty members Dr. Michael Krantz, Dr. Abdullah Al Hayajneh, and Dr. Kutub Thakur from the Professional Security Studies department, who offered insights into the program’s mission. Millie Peralta, Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, was also in attendance.

Dr. Walker said: “The partnership between Caucasus University and NJCU is extremely important. It is vital that we focus on student learning by providing them with an exceptional learning experience and equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to enter professions in cybersecurity and computer science. The continued partnership between Caucasus University and NJCU will change lives and continue to increase opportunities for current and future students.”

About NJCU:
New Jersey City University is an institution of higher learning dedicated to the development of our students, our city, our communities, and our state. We are a game-changing force for our students and have been recognized as one of the top colleges in the nation improving their upward economic mobility. Whether enrolled in one of our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs at our three locations, NJCU students have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of New Jersey.

—www.NJCU.edu—

Contact:
Ira Thor, Associate Vice President for University Communications (interim) | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301