Faculty.

Candice considers herself a jack-of-all-trades in IT and has an entrepreneurial spirit. Since 1996, she has owned and operated several small businesses as well as taught IT and business courses on campuses and online. 

She has two master’s degrees and several certifications related to project management and web technologies. Currently, she is pursuing software development and data analytics. 

Joe Barnhart serves as a Course Instructor II for WGU, facilitating technical communication and capstone courses. His somewhat eclectic skillset includes extensive higher education teaching experience, communication expertise, and an IT background. His has a tremendous amount of practical computer technology experience with 12 years in the production environment at the university level.  

Prior to that time, his technical writing and Ph.D. research provided a rich background that thrived in rapidly changing environments. He has excellent writing and verbal communication experience having taught, published, and presented on technical, organizational, management, and motivational topics for many years. His current objective is to use his expertise to provide a positive impact on students wanting to success in today’s dynamic market place.

David Cameron, a native of San Antonio, entered the Navy in 1993, reporting aboard the USS Holland in Guam.  From there he become a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman.  He deployed aboard USS Juneau. After five years active duty, he attended The University of Texas at San Antonio, receiving  bachelor's and master's degrees in biology.  He worked as a research associate for the U.S. Army.  He has been published in medical journals for his research in biomedical science. 

David went to Officer Candidate School in 2007 and was commissioned in the U.S. Navy, where he became a cryptologic warfare officer.  He served as a branch chief for the National Security Agency, and deployed to Iraq for 6 months. He flew in EP-3E aircrafts and was qualified a Naval Air Observer for SIGINT. He then reported to the Naval Postgraduate School and studied Cyber Systems and Operation. In 2015, he trained and qualified as the team lead for a Navy Cyber Combat Support Team. In 2018 he left the Navy and became a course instructor for the College of IT at WGU where he instructs the following courses: C839–Introduction to Cryptography, C840–Digital Forensics in Cybersecurity, C842–Cyber Defense and Counter Measures, C845–Information Systems Security.

Wendy Campbell is an information technology professional with a history working in higher education who has been with WGU since 2004. She has earned several IT certifications, and earned her doctorate in Business Administration, with a specialization in IT Security from Northcentral University. She mentors students in the Master of Science, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program – Cyberwarfare, Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering, Cybersecurity Management, and the Cybersecurity Graduate Capstone.

Betty R. Carter has enjoyed an extensive IT career spanning more than 30 years. She began her career in the banking industry as a data processing specialist. She then accepted a position in academia as a senior programmer analyst for the Human Resource and Student Financial Systems.

She transitioned to IT consulting as a senior program analyst in the private sector. She has also served in the public sector as a software compliance officer and data asset manager for the U.S. Department of Defense. She returned to academia after transitioning from software development to networking serving as a network administrator assistant and instructional technology coordinator.

During her tenure she provided technology instruction to students and employees, while managing both wired and wireless campus networks. She also managed a student computing center. During this she also worked as an adjunct instructor in A+ certification and Ethical Computing. She currently serves as an undergraduate network course instructor for WGU. 

She earned her B.A. in Computer Science from Huntingdon College, followed by a M.S. in Computer Science from Troy University. She also has Net+ certification. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Information Technology from Capella University. 

Adam earned his bachelor’s degree from DeVry University in computer information systems with a specialty in security, and earned a master’s in cybersecurity and information assurance from WGU.  He has 15 years IT industry experience in the healthcare, banking, and medical device industries, with 10 years working in cyber security. Adam holds several security certifications (CISSP, CEH, CHFI) and currently teaches the C836–Fundamentals of Information Security, C838–Managing Cloud Security, and C845–Information Systems Security.

John has a doctorate in organizational leadership and is an accomplished senior network engineer and senior principal network architect with over 35 years of technical experience providing technology solutions in the data, cloud communication and information technology industries.

Lori Davis is a course Instructor at WGU with 11 years of information technology experience. Lori is proficient in troubleshooting network issues, both for wired and wireless access and has knowledge in network security and cybersecurity methodologies. Lori has a Master of Science, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance and Bachelor of Science, Network Operations and Security and holds several industry certifications relevant to network and network security.

Shawn Dill brings over 20 years of experience in the areas of intelligence analysis and cybersecurity. He has held various positions including work in the United States Cyber Command, the United States Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command, and the Department of State Cyber Incident Response Team.

Shawn holds a master's in Information Security and Assurance and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Network Defender (CND), and EC Council Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES). He supports the Western Governors University Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program as a course instructor for the following courses: C843–Managing Information Security, C837–Managing Web Security, C841–Legal Issues in Information Security, and C839–Introduction to Cryptography.

Dennis Dow is a 35+ year veteran of IT who has worked on systems ranging from individual workstations to multi-state mainframes.  He has been working in information security as both a practitioner and evangelist for over 15 years. 

Dennis has held security jobs ranging from security administrator on main frames, security officer, configuration manager, and ISP security manager. He most recently worked for Alert Logic as a system security specialist. He holds a master's in applied science from the University of Denver.  He also holds certifications in CISSP, Security+, Network+, A+, and RFID+ and is a senior member of the ISSA.  

Derrick Evans holds a B.S. in Telecommunications, an M.S. in Networking and Communications and a Ph.D in Information Technology with a focus on portfolio management. He is also is a Certified Microsoft Information Technology Professional as both an Enterprise Administrator and Server Administrator.

Dr. Evans is also certified in ITIL/F and is a Six Sigma Green Belt.

Jeff is ex-military with 17 years in the IT field, including 15 years teaching. He is a certified technical trainer, college instructor, and IT manager holding multiple certifications and currently pursuing more degrees. Jeff understands the importance of network and operational security from a global to a local perspective, and has worked, studied, and tested in multiple countries.

He is a passionate proponent of lifelong learning with a deep interest for current and emerging Cisco technologies and a desire to share both through guiding student learners successfully along their own chosen path through Cisco technologies.

Melissa has been working in the IT field since 2001 and teaching since 2007. Melissa has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Networking and a master's degree in information systems. Melissa has taught in all three realms of IT including networking, programming, and introductory courses in security. At WGU, Melissa supports Network and Security Foundations (C172), Networking (C480) and Security + (C178).

Jackie Jakes currently works as a course instructor for the undergraduate cyber program at WGU, which is also his alma mater. He received his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in May 2012 and Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance in Jan 2013. Previous job descriptions include information systems security officer, information assurance manager, digital forensics lead, and cyber operations officer. His industry certifications include CEH, CHFI, SECURITY+, NETWORK+, GCIH, and several others. Jackie's courses instructed include C837–Managing Web Security, C844–Emerging Technology, and C840–Digital Forensics in Cybersecurity. His personal mentoring philosophy is “Tell me, and I forget, teach me, and I may remember, involve me, and I learn.”

Jerone Jones has 16 years of experience as an IT security professional and consultant and over 14 years of experience as an instructor in IT and cyber security related courses. His tenure in the consulting and training spaces has generated opportunities to work with diverse industries and sectors including aerospace, defense, academia, healthcare, biotechnology, financial, hospitality, and manufacturing. His strengths are in design, implementation, management and monitoring of network and security systems.

Jerone holds a master's degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from WGU, a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University, and numerous industry certifications. He currently supports C838-Managing Cloud Security at WGU.  

Erin Linnert is an IT and cyber security expert with over 15 years of professional experience. She completed her bachelor's of science in IT at Barry University and master's in digital forensics at the University of Central Florida. 

Erin’s love of technology and desire to help others lead her to WGU, where she utilizes her background and education to help students succeed. She is an instructor for multiple courses in the MSCSIA degree plan such as: Disaster Recovery Planning, Prevention and Response  FXT2, Cyber law, Regulations, and Compliance TFT2, Security Policies and Standards VLT2, Information Security and Assurance  C725, Secure Network Design C700 and Secure Software Design C706.

Nathan is a military veteran, devoted student and aspiring professor. He has 17+ years of IT networking and security experience while holding a M.S. in Information Technology and a Network+ Certification. He is also currently writing his thesis for his second M.S. in Cyber Security.

Nathan hopes to use his position as a course instructor for WGU as the next step in a new career of higher education by providing a way for those with the will to better themselves. He currently teaches Networking and Network Security at WGU.

Ronald Mendell holds a B.S. degree in Liberal Studies (Humanities) from the University of the State of New York, an M.S. degree in Network Security from Capitol Technology University, and he has done additional graduate study in criminal investigation and forensics at National University.

He holds a current CISSP. In the past, Ron taught Information Security for six years at Austin Community College, worked as a legal investigator and as a private investigator for 13 years, and worked as a Technical Client Analyst for 15 years, troubleshooting databases for CDK Global. Presently, Ron teaches Information Security in the IT College of Western Governors University since 2016.

His books include: Probing into Cold Cases (on digital and physical investigations), The Quiet Threat (about industrial espionage), How To Do Financial Asset Investigations, and The Devious Counselor – A Dialogue on Information Security. His articles on security issues have appeared in Security Management and in the ISSA Journal.

In February 2020, he presented before ISC2 Austin on the topic, “Obtaining Secrets: Gleaning Sensitive Information About a Company Without Penetrating the Network.”

Arthur Moore is a proud, two-time alumni of WGU with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Master of Science in Cyber Security and Information Insurance. Moore has over a decade of experience in IT operations, cyber security, and IT management, and holds CISSP, CEH, and CHFI certifications. He also has public and private sector experience in the fields of healthcare, finance, and education. His mentoring goal is to guide from the side and to help work through the pitfalls of life. Arthur is a course instructor for C836–Fundamentals of Information Security, C838–Managing Cloud Security, and C842–Cyber Defense and Countermeasures.

Charles has a doctorate in information systems and an MBA from the University of Houston.  His academic experience includes assistant professor at Arizona State University, and associate professor at The University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  His practical experience includes work for NASA on the Space Shuttle program and IS consulting for various major organizations, including Exxon and Phillips Petroleum. 

Kusay Rukieh has over 20 years of private industry experience in government communication systems divisions including satellite communications, command and control, wireless security, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other advanced systems. He also has 10 years of experience in various academic institutions. He taught many courses in areas of networking, wireless communication, and cyber security. His research interests include broad range of topics in computer and communication systems, with emphasis on wireless technology, cyber security, cyber-physical systems.

Kusay has a doctorate in electrical engineering from Florida institute of Technology and holds CISSP, PMP certifications. He also specializes in performance evaluation, and optimization of systems. He has authored/co-authored several scientific peer reviewed publications. He currently teaches C838–Managing Cloud Security at WGU.  Kusay has been published in the International Conference on Computer Communications and Networks, the Universal Journal of Communications and Network and the IEEE World Forum on Internet of Things, among others.

Brett Schaefer began working for WGU in 2011 as a program mentor, and later as a course instructor within the College of IT. He currently is a course instructor for the MSCSIA program; specifically, C688, C726, C727, LQT2, and C796.

Brett has been in the IT industry for over 15 years and focuses on information security and risk management. Brett was trained as an iIntelligence analyst in the United States Army, and has previously worked in the security sector (cyber, physical, executive protection) and intelligence community. He holds an A.S. in Intelligence Operations, B.A. in Security Management, and a MBA in Security Management. Brett is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Business Administration - Homeland Security Leadership & Policy.

Prior to his role as a cybersecurity instructor at Western Governors University, Randy Stauber was a senior security engineer for a company that preformed risk assessments throughout the United States, mainly in the healthcare and hospitality industries. Professor Stauber has been a Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) since 2003. He also is a Microsoft Certified System Engineer and a Microsoft Certified Solution Developer. Currently he is teaching C836–Fundamentals of Information Security, C841–Legal Issues in Information Security, and C844–Emerging Technologies in Cybersecurity.