Cameron Johnson, a Jefferson County sheriff’s office deputy, was among the first students to graduate from the cybersecurity program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Johnson and eight other graduates received their bachelors’ degrees May 17.
UALR launched its bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity in 2021 in response to growing national and statewide demand for skilled professionals. Since then, the program has rapidly expanded in scope, student enrollment and national recognition, recently being named to national lists for both top cybersecurity programs and most affordable bachelors’ degrees, according to a news release.
For the Pine Bluff resident, graduating was meaningful.
“Graduating marks both a major milestone and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my life,” Johnson said. “The cybersecurity program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has been transformative, providing me with not only the technical skills but also the critical thinking mindset necessary to face the challenges of the cybersecurity landscape. It’s rewarding to look back at the journey from rigorous coursework to hands-on labs and know that I’m well-prepared for the professional world ahead.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
After graduation, Johnson is focusing on pursuing a career in threat analysis or digital forensics.
“These areas particularly interest me because they require both deep technical expertise and strategic thinking to identify, analyze, and mitigate security threats,” Johnson said. “Cybersecurity is about more than just technology; it’s about protecting the systems and data that power everything in our daily lives, from personal information to national infrastructure. I’m eager to make a real, lasting impact by helping organizations defend against constantly evolving cyber threats.”
The professors in the program were encouraging.
“I was fortunate to learn from several exceptional professors who were incredibly supportive, especially as I balanced my coursework with my responsibilities at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. I’m truly grateful for their flexibility and encouragement,” he said.
These professors included Philip Huff, Sandra Leiterman, Rebecca Passmore and William Cox.
“They consistently challenged us to think like real world analysts rather than just students, which was instrumental in shaping how I approach problems in cybersecurity. Their mentorship went beyond the classroom and helped me develop a practical, analytical mindset,” Johnson said.
The cybersecurity program contained various experiences that students found useful.
“One of the most impactful experiences was participating in simulated breach response exercises. These hands-on labs gave me a deeper understanding of how layered and strategic cybersecurity truly is. They allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real world scenarios, sharpening both my technical skills and my ability to think critically under pressure. These exercises prepared me to respond effectively to cyber incidents, which I believe is crucial for any cybersecurity professional,” he said.
Johnson went on to explain why he chose this field of study.
“Cybersecurity fascinates me because it’s a field that combines technology, strategy, and a commitment to protecting people and organizations. It goes far beyond coding or system administration; it’s about safeguarding the systems and data that power our daily lives and critical infrastructure. In today’s world, where cyber threats are constantly evolving, cybersecurity professionals have a unique opportunity to make a tangible, positive impact every single day. I want to be part of that effort, using my skills to help build a safer digital world,” he said.