Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt launches workforce initiative at UNCW focused on cybersecurity
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt announced a new workforce development initiative at the University of North Carolina Wilmington aimed at preparing workers for evolving industries, including cybersecurity.
Hunt announced the Jobs of the Future initiative during a visit to UNCW’s Center for Cyber Defense Education. The initiative is part of her Future-Ready North Carolina plan, which focuses on workforce development through efforts that include investments in child care and community colleges.
The Jobs of the Future initiative will highlight workforce development programs across the state that are helping North Carolina industries adapt to changing needs.
“North Carolina has always been at its best when we prepare our people for what’s next,” Hunt said. “That means building the workforce we need for growing fields like cybersecurity while continuing to innovate in the industries that have long been strengths for our state.”
Cybersecurity is a key focus of the initiative as businesses, critical infrastructure and daily activities increasingly rely on digital technology.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, North Carolina residents lost more than $431 million to internet crimes in 2025, up from $324 million in 2024. More than $15 million in losses last year were linked to artificial intelligence, according to the release.
During her visit, Hunt toured UNCW’s Center for Cyber Defense Education and spoke with students and faculty about preparing workers for cybersecurity careers.
“UNCW is ready to lead the state and nation in building a strong Cybersecurity workforce,” said Dr. Ulku Clark, who leads the center. “Our economy, our state, and our world are changing rapidly, and that means there’s a host of new threats on the horizon.”
Clark also highlighted the importance of protecting maritime commerce, noting that ports generate about $16 billion in economic output annually.
UNCW’s Center for Cyber Defense Education was established in April 2018 and supports cybersecurity education, research and outreach. The center is jointly based in the university’s Cameron School of Business and College of Science and Engineering.
The university launched its bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity in fall 2022. According to the release, it was the first undergraduate cybersecurity major in the UNC System.
