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LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University and tech company Sittadel are teaming up to boost the region’s cybersecurity workforce and advance experiential learning and innovation through the development of a new student-powered Security Operations Center (SOC) on the University’s campus. Florida Poly and Sittadel, a leader in private cybersecurity services based in Lakeland, will create and operate the center to produce advanced cybersecurity defenses to meet market needs while preparing graduates to excel in the rapidly evolving field. SOCs serve as specialized hubs that protect digital assets by continuously monitoring, detecting, investigating and responding to cyber threats. Leaders from both organizations formalized the partnership with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Florida Poly’s Barnett Applied Research Center on Monday, Oct. 20. “This is the next step in our mission to make cybersecurity more accessible by working directly with Florida Poly students and staff,” said Joshua Sitta, Sittadel co-founder. “By pairing Florida Poly’s reputation for innovation with Sittadel’s real-world experience, we’re creating a space where learning and defense happen side by side, preparing students to confront today’s cyber threats and design the solutions for the threats of tomorrow.” As part of the new Security Operations Center, Sittadel will provide operational and technical support, while the University will contribute campus space, institutional support and additional resources. The partnership will also generate hands-on learning pathways through capstone projects, internships and mentorship opportunities designed to strengthen workforce readiness in the cybersecurity field. “This initiative enhances our cybersecurity programs, providing students with real-world challenges and industry insights that are vital for today’s workforce,” said Dr. Brad Thiessen, Florida Poly provost. “Collaborating with Sittadel enables us to align academic efforts with industry needs, preparing our students to be cyber defense leaders and contributing to Florida’s growing tech economy.” The collaboration will elevate Florida Poly’s cybersecurity education by integrating Sittadel’s industry expertise into the classroom through curriculum development and by engaging its professionals to teach as adjunct instructors. “Together, we’re establishing an ecosystem that advances cybersecurity education, grows talent, fuels research, and strengthens Florida’s digital future,” Sitta said. For the most recent University news, visit Florida Poly News. About Sittadel: Sittadel is a global cybersecurity company headquartered in Lakeland, Florida, dedicated to applying practical and justifiable security to organizations of every size. Founded by seasoned security leaders who built and protected over $40 billion dollars of financial assets and advised over 30 U.S. government agencies on Zero Trust cybersecurity architecture. Sittadel establishes the same level of protection to organizations of all sizes with its open Sittadel Knowledge Base. Recognized for Microsoft Security expertise and a 96.4% client retention rate, Sittadel transforms client environments through outcome-driven configuration sprints that rapidly enable Zero Trust principles, modern device protection, and secure collaboration. Sittadel’s unique Athena Program Management model combines technical excellence with human connection. From executive-level assessments to comprehensive configuration deployments, Sittadel acts as a trusted partner guiding clients toward enduring operational resilience and compliance excellence. Connect with Sittadel. About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the No.1 public college in the South for five years in a row and No. 3 best value public school in the South by U.S. News and World Report. It is a top 30 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation for five years in a row. Florida Poly is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. It is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University and tech company Sittadel are teaming up to boost the region’s cybersecurity workforce and advance experiential learning and innovation through the development of a new student-powered Security Operations Center (SOC) on the University’s campus.
Florida Poly and Sittadel, a leader in private cybersecurity services based in Lakeland, will create and operate the center to produce advanced cybersecurity defenses to meet market needs while preparing graduates to excel in the rapidly evolving field. SOCs serve as specialized hubs that protect digital assets by continuously monitoring, detecting, investigating and responding to cyber threats.
Leaders from both organizations formalized the partnership with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Florida Poly’s Barnett Applied Research Center on Monday, Oct. 20.
“This is the next step in our mission to make cybersecurity more accessible by working directly with Florida Poly students and staff,” said Joshua Sitta, Sittadel co-founder. “By pairing Florida Poly’s reputation for innovation with Sittadel’s real-world experience, we’re creating a space where learning and defense happen side by side, preparing students to confront today’s cyber threats and design the solutions for the threats of tomorrow.”
As part of the new Security Operations Center, Sittadel will provide operational and technical support, while the University will contribute campus space, institutional support and additional resources. The partnership will also generate hands-on learning pathways through capstone projects, internships and mentorship opportunities designed to strengthen workforce readiness in the cybersecurity field.
“This initiative enhances our cybersecurity programs, providing students with real-world challenges and industry insights that are vital for today’s workforce,” said Dr. Brad Thiessen, Florida Poly provost. “Collaborating with Sittadel enables us to align academic efforts with industry needs, preparing our students to be cyber defense leaders and contributing to Florida’s growing tech economy.”
The collaboration will elevate Florida Poly’s cybersecurity education by integrating Sittadel’s industry expertise into the classroom through curriculum development and by engaging its professionals to teach as adjunct instructors.
“Together, we’re establishing an ecosystem that advances cybersecurity education, grows talent, fuels research, and strengthens Florida’s digital future,” Sitta said.
For the most recent University news, visit Florida Poly News.
About Sittadel: Sittadel is a global cybersecurity company headquartered in Lakeland, Florida, dedicated to applying practical and justifiable security to organizations of every size. Founded by seasoned security leaders who built and protected over $40 billion dollars of financial assets and advised over 30 U.S. government agencies on Zero Trust cybersecurity architecture. Sittadel establishes the same level of protection to organizations of all sizes with its open Sittadel Knowledge Base. Recognized for Microsoft Security expertise and a 96.4% client retention rate, Sittadel transforms client environments through outcome-driven configuration sprints that rapidly enable Zero Trust principles, modern device protection, and secure collaboration. Sittadel’s unique Athena Program Management model combines technical excellence with human connection. From executive-level assessments to comprehensive configuration deployments, Sittadel acts as a trusted partner guiding clients toward enduring operational resilience and compliance excellence. Connect with Sittadel.
About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the No.1 public college in the South for five years in a row and No. 3 best value public school in the South by U.S. News and World Report. It is a top 30 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation for five years in a row. Florida Poly is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. It is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.