Biography
I grew up in Washington state, where I developed a strong sense of service and community.
After high school, I initially pursued an Associate's in Drafting and Design before
deciding to join the Air Force. In 2008, I found Jesus, and His transformative love
has since shaped both my personal and professional journey. Over the course of more
than 24 years of military service, I held various leadership positions, from Senior
Cyber Executive to Commander of the 223rd Cyberspace Operations Squadron. After retirement,
I stepped into the role of Executive Director at Forge Institute, where I spent five
years developing cybersecurity programs and forging strategic partnerships with local,
state, and national organizations.
I recently joined Ouachita Baptist University as a Cybersecurity Instructor, bringing
with me nearly three decades of experience in cyber operations, risk management, and
leadership. At Ouachita, I am deeply passionate about preparing students for the increasingly
complex and dynamic world of cybersecurity. I teach courses in network security, ethical
hacking, and cyber risk management, integrating real-world experience and ethical
decision-making into each lesson. My goal is to equip students with the technical
expertise and ethical framework they need to succeed in the cybersecurity field.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of managing large-scale cybersecurity
operations, overseeing multi-million-dollar projects, and collaborating with agencies
such as the DOD, CIA, FBI, DHS, and CISA to address emerging cyber threats. My experience
in strategic planning, operational risk management, and stakeholder engagement continues
to guide my work both in the classroom and in my ongoing involvement with Forge Institute’s
initiatives in Workforce Development, Innovation, and “Operations” (Arkansas Cyber
Defense Center, American Cyber Alliance and the Arkansas Cyber Initiative). I am also
deeply committed to my church, community, and family, and enjoy activities such as
hunting, fishing, and restoring classic cars.
Q&A
Why did you come to Ouachita?
I came to Ouachita Baptist University because of its commitment to fostering a supportive,
faith-driven academic environment where students not only grow academically but also
ethically and personally. Ouachita’s emphasis on intellectual rigor, personal responsibility,
and holistic development aligns with my values, and I saw an opportunity to contribute
to shaping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. I am passionate about
sharing my real-world experiences in the field with students and preparing them for
the rapidly evolving challenges in cybersecurity. At Ouachita, I am able to combine
my extensive career in cybersecurity and leadership with the chance to mentor students,
guiding them toward becoming ethical, competent professionals who will make a positive
impact on both their careers and society. The opportunity to work in such an inspiring
environment, where academic excellence and Christian values go hand in hand, was a
perfect fit for my personal and professional goals.
Why did you decide to become a professor?
I decided to pursue a teaching role at Ouachita because I am deeply passionate about
mentoring and sharing my knowledge and experiences with the next generation of cybersecurity
professionals. While I’m not yet a formal professor, my extensive career in cybersecurity
and leadership has given me a wealth of real-world experience that I want to pass
on to students. I believe that in today’s fast-paced digital world, it's critical
for students to not only understand the technical aspects of cybersecurity but also
to develop the ethical and critical thinking skills needed to navigate complex challenges.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse teams and leading
initiatives that required both technical expertise and a strong sense of responsibility.
This experience has inspired me to help students build not only the hard skills needed
to succeed in cybersecurity but also the soft skills that will help them thrive as
professionals and ethical leaders. Becoming an instructor at Ouachita allows me to
combine my passion for the field with my desire to have a positive impact on the lives
of students and the broader cybersecurity community.
I also value the opportunity to work in a faith-based, supportive environment like
Ouachita, where academic excellence is paired with a strong sense of purpose and responsibility.
This unique setting will allow me to guide students in both their technical development
and their personal growth, preparing them for meaningful careers in a field that is
crucial to the safety and success of our society.
Why is your subject an important one in our world?
Cybersecurity is one of the most critical subjects in today’s world because virtually
every aspect of our lives is intertwined with digital technology. From personal communications
to the operation of businesses and even national security, we rely on interconnected
systems to function efficiently and securely. As technology continues to evolve, so
do the methods of cybercriminals, hackers, and even nation-states looking to exploit
vulnerabilities. This makes cybersecurity not only important but essential for maintaining
the integrity, privacy, and trust that society depends on.
In addition to protecting individuals and organizations, cybersecurity safeguards
sensitive data—ranging from personal information to national secrets. It also ensures
the reliability of critical infrastructure like power grids, healthcare systems, and
financial institutions, which can have far-reaching impacts on our daily lives and
the global economy. With the rise of threats like ransomware, data breaches, and cyber
warfare, the need for well-trained cybersecurity professionals is more urgent than
ever.
Beyond the technical aspects, cybersecurity also poses ethical and societal challenges,
such as balancing privacy with security, and ensuring equitable access to secure technologies.
As a result, cybersecurity professionals must not only be skilled in technical solutions
but also in ethical decision-making, understanding the implications of their work
on individuals, communities, and global society.
By teaching cybersecurity, I am helping prepare students to address these challenges,
protect vital systems, and innovate in ways that will keep us all safe in an increasingly
digital world. It’s a field that is ever-changing, and its importance will only continue
to grow as our digital presence becomes more central to everything we do.
What do you want future students to know about your degree program?
I want future students to know that the cybersecurity degree program at Ouachita Baptist
University is not only about acquiring technical skills but also about developing
the critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities necessary
to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Our program emphasizes
a well-rounded education that prepares students to address real-world cybersecurity
challenges in both technical and ethical contexts, while also cultivating the traits
of a trusted professional.
Students in this program will gain hands-on experience in areas like network security,
ethical hacking, cryptography, and risk management, while also learning to understand
the broader implications of cybersecurity in terms of privacy, law, and society. Beyond
mastering the tools and techniques used in the field, students will develop a strong
ethical foundation and a sense of personal and social responsibility, which are essential
in today’s digital landscape. The ability to earn and maintain trust, both in the
systems you secure and in your professional conduct, is critical in cybersecurity.
Our program is designed to ensure that students are not just job-ready but prepared
for leadership roles in cybersecurity. Whether you're interested in working for government
agencies, private corporations, or non-profit organizations, you'll be equipped with
the skills and knowledge to make an impact in a wide variety of settings. Additionally,
the program provides an opportunity to engage with the latest trends and technologies
in the field, preparing students to adapt and innovate as the cybersecurity landscape
continues to evolve.
Ultimately, I want students to know that our program at Ouachita is more than just
a degree—it’s an opportunity to build a meaningful career in a field that is crucial
to the safety, security, and success of our digital world. Students will graduate
with a strong foundation in both the technical and ethical aspects of cybersecurity,
making them well-rounded professionals who can solve today’s problems and lead us
into the future as "trusted experts" in the field.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy a variety of activities that help me stay connected to my
family, church, and community, while also allowing me to pursue my personal passions.
Spending time with family is a top priority—whether it's enjoying a meal together,
playing games, or just relaxing, I value those moments. My involvement in church is
also essential to me, providing spiritual growth and opportunities to serve others
in my community.
I'm very active in my local community, taking part in events and initiatives that
promote positive change. I love spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing,
which allow me to unwind, challenge myself, and enjoy nature. Exercising is another
way I stay active and clear my mind, whether it’s running or other fitness routines.
I also enjoy building things, particularly restoring old cars—tinkering with engines
and restoring vehicles is something I find incredibly rewarding. There's something
about working with your hands and seeing a project come together that never gets old.
I also appreciate entertainment in various forms, from watching movies to enjoying
music or diving into new hobbies. There's always something new on the horizon for
me, and I love exploring different interests. All of these activities keep me energized,
grounded, and balanced, whether I’m working on a project, spending time with loved
ones, or enjoying the great outdoors.
What has been a meaningful Bible verse or passage for you?
Ephesians 4:31-32 has been a powerful passage for me, especially during challenging
times. It says:
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you,
along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:31-32)
This verse has been a constant reminder to focus on 'forgiveness, kindness, and compassion',
even in the midst of difficulty. It’s helped me navigate some of the more challenging
seasons of my life, especially when I’ve faced conflict or disappointment. It reminds
me that I should not hold on to "bitterness or anger", but instead, I should choose
to be "kind, tenderhearted", and forgiving, just as "God in Christ forgave me", even
though I didn’t deserve it.
The passage challenges me to live a "sacrificial life"—to love and serve others with
the same "grace and forgiveness" that Christ showed me. Even when it’s hard or when
others might not deserve my love, I am called to follow Christ’s example. This has
been a guiding principle in both my personal and professional relationships, especially
when dealing with difficult situations. It reminds me that I’m not called to love
others based on what they’ve done, but because of what Christ has done for me.
It’s a lesson that continues to help me grow and stay grounded in the faith. I realize
that it’s not always easy, but living with "grace" and "forgiveness" in my heart has
brought healing, peace, and a deeper sense of connection to others. This passage challenges
me daily to live out a love that is sacrificial and rooted in the unmerited love that
Christ has extended to me.