Civil Air Patrol cadets attend Cyber Academy at DSU
July 30, 2025
Dakota State University and The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences welcomed 27 cadets to the inaugural Midwest Cyber Academy.
“With Dakota State University’s nationally recognized expertise in cybersecurity, it’s a natural fit for us to partner in shaping the future leaders of this critical field,” said Dean Mary Bell of The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences.
Students traveled from all over, with attendees from as far away as Guam and Alaska. This summer program integrates cybersecurity certification standards into career exploration courses, which supplements the Cadet Program Cyber Module.
Attendees completed coursework that was designed by the Civil Air Patrol and taught by an Air Force instructor on Dakota State’s campus.
“It’s an honor to host the Civil Air Patrol Cadets on campus as part of the national Cyber Academy,” Bell said.
The Cyber Academy exposes cadets to opportunities or ideas they may be unaware of, according to Major Richard Rezac, Civil Air Patrol and organizer of the DSU event.
“Today’s world has constantly changing jobs, careers, and work environments,” he said. “With that, this course will make them better cadets by giving them confidence to pursue cyber as a career.”
However, all cadets will benefit from completing the Cyber Academy even if they choose to follow a different career path.
“Cyber operations will affect all of us, in almost every aspect of our lives in the future,” Rezac said.
Prior to this year, these cyber academies had only been held in Virginia, Colorado, and Texas.
“DSU’s reputation precedes itself,” said Major Richard Rezac, Civil Air Patrol. “I know a few people who served as Civil Air Patrol cadets who went on to study at DSU, and now we have successful careers in cyber. It seemed like a fantastic opportunity to expose our young people to the incredible talent and facilities at DSU.”
After a successful event this year, Rezac is already working with DSU leadership on planning another Cyber Academy at DSU next year.
“It will teach the foundations that we covered this year and possibly offer an advanced course that will cover Cisco network administration among other topics,” he said.
Bell is excited to build this partnership. While she never served in the Civil Air Patrol, she was commissioned into Army Aviation and felt a connection to fellow pilots. Adding, the cadets are very driven at such a young age.
“To have them involved in a Cyber Academy, while they’re Civil Air Patrol Cadets, is a magical combination,” Bell said. “I hate to overuse the term ‘unicorn,’ but that’s a really unique person who has an interest in both flying and cyber sciences.”
“These cadets represent the next generation of cyber defenders and operators, and we’re proud to support their growth through hands-on learning, exposure to real-world operations, and a deepened passion for cybersecurity.”