Utica University’s Corbo Awarded Karl Zimpel '75 Endowed Professorship in Cybersecurity

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Utica University’s Corbo Awarded Karl Zimpel '75 Endowed Professorship in Cybersecurity

Leslie Corbo stands outside on campus, smiling.

"She encourages her students to seek knowledge while still providing the needed assistance to ensure students receive a fulfilling and meaningful education."

Provost Todd Pfannestiel, Leslie Corbo holding the Zimpel Endowed Professorship Award, award founder Fredericka 'Fritzie' Paine, and President Laura Casamento stand in a row.

The Karl Zimpel '75 Endowed Professorship in Cybersecurity has been awarded to Leslie Corbo, associate professor of cybersecurity and director of undergraduate cybersecurity programs at Utica University. This endowed professorship, made possible by the generous support from Fredericka “Fritzie” Paine in memory of her brother, is one of the most prestigious honors an institution can award a faculty member.

Corbo completed both bachelor’s and master’s degrees while raising her two children, and earned her Doctor of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity from Capitol Technology University as a grandmother. The first and only cybersecurity professional to publish in the Journal of American Medical Association Open Network, Corbo has numerous publications, presentations and professional accomplishments to her name.

A former student said, “She has engaged with her students unlike any other faculty I have encountered thus far. She encourages her students to seek knowledge while still providing the needed assistance to ensure students receive a fulfilling and meaningful education.”

Often referred to as “Cyber Mom,” Professor Corbo consistently and continuously puts her students and colleagues as a top priority. Mentoring junior faculty members through the tenure process and adjusting the curriculum to keep both students and the institution on the cutting edge of the field, Professor Corbo exemplifies what it means to be a lifelong teacher.

-by Joshua Ward ‘24, PR Intern