March 24, 2025 3:20 a.m. 

Umpqua Community College associate professor of Computer Information Systems, John Blackwood, was recently recognized as an “Instructor Excellence Expert” by Cisco Systems for his accomplishments and contributions to the Cisco Networking Academy.

A college release said Blackwood’s achievements have earned him a spot in the top percent for the third year in a row among 29,700 instructors globally.

Academy courses sponsored by Cisco are embedded UCC’s Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity degree programs and lay the foundation for learning advanced concepts in networking and cybersecurity such as ethical hacking and forensics hacking. With this foundation, UCC students become ready to transfer to a university ready to study robust cybersecurity courses that focus on servers, routers and switches.

The release said the Cisco Networking Academy stated, “Your exceptional teaching and contributions to the Cisco Networking Academy have earned you the prestigious 2025 Instructor Excellence Advanced Level Award. This accolade celebrates your global standing as a top instructor, distinguished by student feedback and performance”.

More information about UCC computer science and cybersecurity courses by going to: www.umpqua.edu/CIS