Josh Jenkins, of Winston-Salem, a junior computer information systems (CIS) major at Pfeiffer, recently earned the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification (CCNA), a nationally-respected accreditation recognized by major technology vendors and computer support professionals.

The CCNA certification is a second-level Cisco career certification that indicates a foundation in apprentice knowledge of networking and information systems. The certification validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a wide area  network.

"Advanced technical knowledge is essential for computer and information systems managers," said Gerald Poplin, assistant professor of CIS and director of Pfeiffer's Cisco and Microsoft academies. "By offering these prominent certification options, our CIS program gives students the opportunity to tailor their talents to job specific areas and demonstrates to prospective employers a level of proficiency upon which they can depend."

The CIS Department at Pfeiffer has been committed to offering its students the latest technology training programs available to help meet the industry's workforce demands. In 2006, Pfeiffer became one of the first four-year colleges in the southeastern United States to become a Cisco Networking Academy, which prepares students for networking and IT-related careers in the public and private sectors, according to Poplin.

The same year, Pfeiffer also established a partnership with the Microsoft Corporation to offer advanced technology training through the Microsoft IT Academy. Again, Pfeiffer was among the first four-year colleges nationwide to launch this endeavor, Poplin said. These academies prepare Pfeiffer students for networking and IT-related careers in the public and private sectors at the highest level. To date, Jenkins is among three students from Pfeiffer's CIS Department to obtain this certification.

Established in 1885, Pfeiffer University is a comprehensive United Methodist-related university, with multiple campuses, including Misenheimer, Charlotte and the Triangle, committed to educational excellence, service and scholarship.


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