Jarvis Christian University Launches Cybersecurity Program, Celebrates Leadership Milestones, and Spurs $39M Regional Impact

Good day, Bulldogs! It's Monday, August 4, 2025, and welcome back to the hottest podcast on campus. Let's dive into the latest happenings at Jarvis Christian University. First up, we're thrilled to announce that Jarvis Christian University has been approved for a Cybersecurity Registered Apprenticeship Program by the Texas Department of Labor. This initiative, developed in partnership with industry leaders, aims to equip our students with hands-on experience and skills in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. In other news, our university continues to make significant strides in economic development. According to the 2024 Economic Impact Report released by the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, Jarvis Christian University contributes a total of $39 million to the regional economy. This includes $31 million in direct spending by the institution, its employees, students, and visitors, and an additional $8 million in indirect and induced spending through business stimulation and job creation. On the leadership front, we're proud to highlight the historic appointment of Mrs. Leketia Lenett Blair as the first woman chair of our Board of Trustees. This milestone reflects our commitment to inclusivity and diversity in leadership roles. Our students continue to excel on national platforms. Rising senior Cedric Abney has been named an Ambassador for the 2025–2026 Black Student Leadership Network Fellowship. Cedric's achievement underscores the caliber of leaders we're nurturing here at Jarvis. In the realm of arts and media, Communications and Media Arts faculty member, Trenton McKay Judson, has released his first feature-length film, "Bad B*tch." Set for global release, the film emphasizes strength, justice, and bold representation. Congratulations to Dr. Judson on this remarkable accomplishment. Lastly, our campus has seen some exciting developments. Thanks to a generous grant from The Home Depot, we've unveiled the newly renovated Innovation Lounge in the Olin Library. This space is set to be a hub for creativity, collaboration, and innovation for all students. That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and stories from our vibrant Jarvis Christian University community. Until next time, keep striving for excellence, Bulldogs!