ECU’s ISSA chapter looks to make strong comeback
After a break during the pandemic, the East Carolina University student chapter of the Information Systems Security Association is making a comeback this semester.
Hunter Leggett, president of ECU’s student chapter of the Information Systems Security Association, speaks during a meeting. (Photos by Ken Buday)
An organizational meeting last semester kicked off club activities and resulted in the election of a club president, Hunter Leggett.
The ISSA is an international organization that develops and connects cybersecurity leaders in an effort to promote a more secure digital world. The ECU chapter, which is sponsored by the Raleigh regional ISSA chapter, includes cybersecurity and technical students. Part-time or full-time students with at least a 2.0 GPA are eligible to join.
Leggett, a second-year graduate student in network technology, said members enjoy many perks.
“The benefits for students who join include helping students build professional relationships, training for certifications, providing professional and leadership development, learning about current events and best practices, and providing career information and networking,” he said.
He said the club is not just for students majoring in information security.
Robert Martin, a member of the Raleigh chapter of the Information Systems Security Association and an ECU alumnus, speaks during a meeting of the ECU ISSA chapter.
“This club is for anyone who wants to learn more about information security to better understand how to protect both their at-home networks and the networks of the company that they will one day work for,” he said.
Leggett said ECU’s ISSA chapter had a strong presence in the College of Engineering and Technology before the pandemic.
“Prior to COVID-19, this chapter had a large presence at ECU, and it was able to lead many students in information security,” he said. “I believe that it is paramount to get this chapter going again to provide the next generation of information technology students with the tools they need to better understand information security.”
He said he has one main goal as the chapter’s new president.
“I want to get a club that has helped many students learn more about information security back to its former glory, while also making the necessary changes to make sure it will persist for future generations of ECU students,” Leggett said.
Leggett said monthly meetings are planned. Anyone interested can go to the club’s information on the Engage website or email Leggett at leggetth17@students.ecu.edu.
Students enjoy dinner during an ISSA meeting last semester.