As a cybersecurity professor with nearly two decades of dedicated teaching experience, I am delighted to share my educational philosophy and commitment to the field of cybersecurity. Since 2004, I have had the privilege of guiding countless students on their journey to becoming highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. My passion for this discipline has driven me to create two cybersecurity bachelor programs in the states of North Carolina and Virginia, contributing to the development of a robust cybersecurity workforce in the region. Additionally, through my role at Teo Consulting LLC, I have been a paid consultant in the establishment of two cybersecurity programs in Indiana and Norfolk, Virginia, further expanding the reach of cybersecurity education. As lead faculty, I designed and launched the college’s Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity, a first among private colleges and universities in North Carolina. Under my leadership and vision, the institution received the coveted National Security Agency (NSA)/Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, CAE – CD.

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            Beyond imparting knowledge, I view my role as a mentor who encourages students to be conscientious, fostering self-exploration and learning. I firmly believe that education is a powerful tool for self-empowerment, and my mission as a professor is to set fair, achievable, and realistic goals, providing unwavering guidance and support throughout each student's educational journey.

 

            My dedication to the craft of teaching extends beyond the classroom. A dominant and consistent trait, as determined by the CliftonStrengths Assessment by Gallup, is Empathy, a quality that has allowed me to connect deeply with students, faculty, and staff alike. I have taken 3 CliftonStrengths Assessment by Gallup where in 2014, my top 5 strengths were: Achiever, Focus, Empathy, Analytical and Responsibility. In 2019, they were Futuristic, Achiever, Focus, Learner and Empathy. In 2023 they were Achiever, Deliberative, Futuristic, Empathy and Focus. I firmly embrace the concept that diversity in the classroom is a strength. To this end, I actively promote teamwork and emphasize the importance of timely communication, both verbal and written, as vital traits for a successful and productive cybersecurity professional. My own global experiences, having traveled to 500 cities across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, have provided me with invaluable insights into cultural sensitivity, awareness, and humanity on a global scale, which I impart to my students.

 

            In my teaching approach, I prioritize clarity and structure. At the start of each semester, I meticulously define the scope and content of the course, while simultaneously fostering creativity and resourcefulness in solving cybersecurity challenges. I encourage my students to maintain open minds and avoid falling into the trap of 'group-think.' My teaching toolkit includes cutting-edge methods such as cyber-attack simulations and role-play using state-of-the-art virtual platforms, ensuring that students are well-prepared to tackle real-world cybersecurity issues. Moreover, I actively encourage students to seek internships and participate in hackathons, providing them with practical exposure to the industry. To set an example, I continuously pursue and maintain industry-leading certifications such as A+, Networking+, Security+, CEH, and CISSP, keeping myself updated with the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.

 

            With extensive experience spanning a wide range of cybersecurity courses, from Networking Fundamentals to Cyberethics, I have honed my ability to deliver effective, engaging, and informative instruction. Notably, in 2020, I was honored to be selected as the inaugural cybersecurity Fulbright Faculty Scholar, tasked with expanding program capacity and cybersecurity expertise in Lithuania's higher education system. I facilitated a groundbreaking industry-education partnership between Cybint (now ThriveDX) and LCC International University in Lithuania, introducing a six-month cybersecurity bootcamp—the first of its kind in Europe. The success of this program is evident in the participation of military intelligence officers from the Lithuanian military and other accomplished graduates.

           

            In conclusion, my teaching journey has been marked by an unyielding commitment to fostering cybersecurity excellence and empowering students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this ever-evolving field. My experiences, both in the classroom and on a global scale, have shaped my teaching philosophy and approach. I am excited about the opportunity to continue making a meaningful impact on the future of cybersecurity education furthering the institution’s mission to produce cybersecurity professionals who are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the digital age.