MONTREAT, N.C. — August 13, 2026 — Montreat College President Paul J. Maurer was presented with the Cardinal Award by North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek on Thursday, August 13, recognizing Maurer’s contributions to North Carolina through his leadership in higher education, cybersecurity, and service to the state.
Established by the North Carolina State Auditor’s Office under Auditor Dave Boliek, the Cardinal Award recognizes individuals who exemplify integrity, accountability, and service and who make a meaningful contribution to the people of North Carolina.
Boliek presented the award to Maurer during a visit to Montreat College, highlighting the College’s leadership in cybersecurity education and its contributions to the Carolina Cybersecurity Network (CCN).
“In recognition of contributions to citizens of North Carolina by advancing government transparency, improving efficiency, and safeguarding taxpayer dollars,” Boliek said in presenting the award. “This also amplifies your values of integrity, accountability, and service.”
Boliek noted that the State Auditor’s Office created the Cardinal Award to recognize individuals whose work benefits North Carolina and who might otherwise go unrecognized.
“The cardinal itself is known as a vigilant protector of its nest,” Boliek explained. “We felt it appropriate that an award given by the auditor’s office be the Cardinal Award.”
During his remarks at Montreat College, Boliek emphasized the importance of partnerships among state government, higher education, private institutions, and faith-based organizations in addressing challenges facing North Carolina.
He specifically cited Montreat College’s work in cybersecurity, including its leadership through the Carolina Cyber Center and participation in the CCN.
“I am very aware of all the great things this college does in addition to the cyber network,” Boliek said. “You guys have a fantastic reputation of being on mission and really dedicated to the students.”
Boliek also highlighted the importance of engaging private, faith-based institutions in partnerships designed to deliver tangible results for North Carolinians.
“The partnership with the cyber network is the example of where we can leverage state dollars with not only our public institutions across North Carolina, which are important, but our private institutions that are faith-based, like Montreat here in North Carolina as well,” Boliek said.
The recognition comes as Montreat College continues to expand its role in cybersecurity education and workforce development. Through the Carolina Cyber Center and its partnerships across the state, the College works to prepare students and professionals to address the growing cybersecurity needs of North Carolina.
Maurer expressed gratitude for the recognition and for the opportunity to serve the state of North Carolina by equipping the next generation of leaders through Christ-centered education and workforce development.
“I am honored and humbled, and I’m pleased to serve alongside those who support the great state of North Carolina,” Maurer said. “I’m also honored to serve with a truly outstanding Montreat College faculty, staff, and leadership team as we prepare future generations of ethical, highly skilled leaders.”
The Cardinal Award reflects the State Auditor’s Office’s effort to recognize individuals whose work strengthens communities and contributes to the state of North Carolina.