College of Business, Security & Intelligence | 2023-2024 Annual Report
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, SECURITY & INTELLIGENCE
PRESCOTT CAMPUS
2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT
I N TH I S R E PORT
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Dean’s Message Leadership Team Industry Board Faculty Accolades
6 Department of Cyber Intelligence and Security 10 Department of Global Security and Intelligence Studies 13 School of Business 16 New Initiatives
GIVING TO THE COLLEGE
When you give to the College of Business, Security & Intelligence
(CBSI), you help to address some of the most critical security and business challenges of our era. CBSI is one of the nation’s leading providers
of business, security and intelligence education, and your support enables us to continue training the next generation of industry professionals. By donating to the college, you invest in the future security and prosperity of our country and its interests, while also supporting hands-on education, cutting-edge research and our talented students.
Make a difference and support CBSI by donating at: alumnifriends.erau.edu/s/give
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DEAN’S MESSAGE
Students learn from faculty members with deep industry expertise in both the public and private sectors, applying classroom lessons to real- world challenges. Our Cyber Gym Makerspace and Global Security Operations Center also expose students to cutting-edge technologies and future-forward techniques. Our students graduate in high demand, prepared to address some of the most critical challenges of our time. I’m honored to represent the college and to share a window into our programs. I hope you enjoy reading our annual report.
Dear College of Business, Security & Intelligence community, Another academic year has come to an end. The 2023-2024 school year was an exciting one for the nation’s first and only College of Business, Security and Intelligence, and I’m pleased to share the highlights with you now in this year’s annual report. As the Dean for CBSI, it is a privilege to watch our talented faculty and students transform the fields of business, cybersecurity, global security and intelligence daily. From hosting the first ERAU-NASA-NSF Aviation Cybersecurity Conference in April 2024 to our ongoing consulting efforts, these pages detail some of the exciting work taking place in CBSI’s halls. As the only comprehensive degree-granting college of its kind in the U.S., CBSI provides students with a unique interdisciplinary environment in which to learn and grow.
Sincerely,
Thomas G. Drape, Ph.D. Dean
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Dean Drape earned a bilingual doctorate with honors from IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain and taught at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch- Partenkirchen, Germany. Drape is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he worked as a program manager and procurement specialist on multi-million-dollar aerospace projects. His academic administrative experience includes U.S. Air Force Academy Chair and Deputy Director for the Program in Advanced Security Studies at the Marshall Center, Director for CBSI’s School of Business, Chair of the MBA and Graduate Business Programs in the School of Business at Azusa Pacific University and Deputy Department Head for Operations in the Department of Management at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Drape also earned an MBA from the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science in Management from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has held faculty appointments at five academic institutions and has led academic study abroad programs on four continents and 15 countries.
Dr. Thomas Drape Dean
Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya Chair of Cyber Intelligence and Security
Professor Tom Foley, J.D. Chair of Global Security and Intelligence Studies
Dr. Jules Yimga Chair of the School of Business
Yimga is a Fulbright U.S. Scholar with a Ph.D. in Economics from Kansas State University. His expertise lies in air transport economics and policy, as evident through his impressive publication record of 30 papers in top-tier refereed journals. Yimga’s contributions have been acknowledged with prestigious awards, such as the Best Paper Award from the Air Transport Research Society and three Scholar of the Year Awards. Beyond research and teaching, he actively supports the aviation industry as a member of the Board of Directors of the Arizona Business Aviation Association, engaging in public discourse and knowledge-sharing endeavors.
Sampigethaya received his Ph.D. from the University of Washington. He was the first Associate Technical Fellow for aviation cyber-physical security at Boeing, the first Associate Director for cybersecurity at the UTC Research Center and a graduate program director at the University of Maryland. Sampigethaya founded the first aviation cybersecurity technical committee at SAE and organizes aviation cyber tracks at SAE and AIAA/ IEEE conferences. He has authored over 65 papers, delivered 24 keynotes, holds 24 U.S. patents and taught the first ICAO aviation cybersecurity course to over 150 participants from 24 countries in 2022-2023.
Foley earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) in Law at Indiana University- Bloomington. He holds the following professional certifications: Certified Protection Professional, Physical Security Professional, Airport Security Coordinator and Airport Certified Employee — Security. He brings more than 15 years of corporate security experience to Embry-Riddle. He is an expert in security operations center management, physical security design, risk assessment, guard force management, workplace violence prevention, behavioral threat assessment, data center security, school shootings and security, active shooter events, emergency planning and response and training program development. Foley also volunteers with the Prescott Valley Police Department consulting on physical security and continuity planning.
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Industry Board Members
Cary Buchanan Airport Manager Los Angeles World Airports
Nel Stubbs Principal Stubbs Aviation Advisors
Joseph Hooper Supervisory Special Agent Federal Bureau of Investigation
Stephen Thomas Cybersecurity Advisor Federal Reserve System
Samuel Ingalls Principal Barich, Inc.
Thomas Trask Defense and Security Consultant
Rudy R. Miller Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer The Miller Group
Nina Vajda Aircraft Systems Safety, Reliability and Cybersecurity Supernal
Larry Vigna Supervisory Financial Management Analyst,
Jay Morgan Chief Executive Officer JMorgan Consulting, LLC
FBI Denver Regional Finance Hub Federal Bureau of Investigation
Patrick Morrissey Senior Technical Fellow, Product Cybersecurity Collins Aerospace
Matthew Wright Vice President/General Manager Monterey Fuel Company, LLC at Monterey Jet Center, Del Monte Aviation
Glen Shelley Director, Product Security Engineering Boeing
Shanna Woyak President Front Gate, LLC
Jim Shortal Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Business Continuity Cox Communications
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School of Business Chair Named Fulbright Scholar For one CBSI faculty member, the Fall 2023 semester was marked by plenty of travel — and plenty of snow. After being named a U.S. Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Jules O. Yimga journeyed to Estonia to teach and conduct research at the Estonian Aviation Academy.
Yimga was also able to travel to surrounding countries during his time abroad. Of the 20+ locations he visited, Yimga’s favorite? Uzbekistan, in part due to its unique architecture. Established in 1946, the Fulbright Scholarships are awarded by the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. The program provides funds for U.S. citizens to study and conduct research and teach English abroad.
In addition to teaching a class on airline network planning during his time in Europe, Yimga studied the risk factors associated with drone operations. “The recent growth in drone use brings economic opportunities, but it also opens the door to illegal usage,” Yimga said. “I [looked at] what kind of interventions could be designed to protect high-risk venues and fend off malicious users.” “Having Dr. Yimga named a Fulbright Scholar was wonderful news for the university, and everyone at the Prescott Campus is very proud of his achievement,” said Pauline Filemoni, director of the Center for International Programs and Services.
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2023 - 2024 Faculty Awards Each year, CBSI honors those faculty members who have dedicated themselves to teaching, scholarship and service. All seven of our 2023-2024 awardees have materially improved the Embry-Riddle experience for both students and other faculty members. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
Teacher of the Year Samantha Friedlan | Instructor School of Business
Scholar of the Year Dr. Catalina Aranzazu-Suescun | Assistant Professor Department of Cyber Intelligence and Security
Reg Parker Servant of the Year Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya | Chair and Associate Professor Department of Cyber Intelligence and Security
Junior Faculty of the Year Katy-Jan Bobseine | Assistant Professor Department of Global Security and Intelligence Studies
CBSI Eagle Excellence Award Madge Porter | Administrative Assistant College of Business, Security & Intelligence
CBSI Eagle Excellence Award Dr. Tyrone Groh | Professor Department of Global Security and Intelligence Studies
Adjunct of the Year Edwin Cochran | Adjunct Faculty Department of Global Security and Intelligence Studies
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10 Years of Cyber Excellence
2013 The Department of Cyber Intelligence and Security (CIS) is founded by Dr. Jon Haass with 11 students in its first year.
2014 CIS is home to 10 or more female students for the first time. Its percentage of female students continues to grow, peaking at 28% in the 2023-24 academic year.
2015 For the first time in department history, the number of enrolled students crosses 50.
2016 CIS welcomes its first alumni to the family, with two inaugural graduates.
2017 For the first time in department history, the number of enrolled students crosses 100. To date, the department has surpassed this enrollment threshold in each subsequent year. 2019 The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designate Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus as a National Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense. Boeing and Aviation ISAC also initiate gift funds for CIS student research projects. From 2019-2024, CIS has obtained more than $425,000 in industry-sponsored gifts from these organizations. 2021 A CIS undergraduate team takes first place in the Department of Energy’s prestigious CyberForce competition. In addition to first place in the U.S., the student team finishes 4th in the world. 2023 CIS offers its CTF to members of the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation Aviation Cyber Initiative community, international aviation stakeholders assembled at Southwest Airlines HQ and employees at the Collins Aerospace Iowa facility — building on the CTF efforts of 2020-2022.
2018 Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya becomes the department chair, and CIS launches its M.S. in Cyber Intelligence and Security.
2020 The B.S. in Cyber Intelligence and Security becomes one of eight ABET-accredited cybersecurity programs in the world. CIS also becomes a DoD Cyber Scholarship Program site, receiving two full-ride scholarships and a capacity-building grant. Since 2020, CIS has won 14 scholarships and three capacity-building grants, totaling $1.5M. In the same year, CIS also hosts the world’s first and only aviation cybersecurity capture-the-flag competition at DEF CON and the A-ISAC Summit. 2022 Embry-Riddle’s Prescott and Daytona Beach Campuses are together selected by the National Science Foundation as a CyberCorps ® Scholarship for Service program — the only one for aviation and aerospace cybersecurity. This five- year grant of $4M supports more than 20 full-ride scholars. 2024 The university and department are redesignated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. CIS also hosts its inaugural ERAU-NASA- NSF Aviation Cybersecurity Workshop, the first of its kind in the world, with $100,000 in funding from the NSF. A CIS undergraduate student team also becomes the NCAE Cyber Games Champion.
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Students Strengthen Their Cyber Fitness in ‘Cyber Gym’ Research Center I n early 2024, Embry-Riddle and CBSI unveiled the Cyber Gym Makerspace, which offers students the ability to further develop their skills through undergraduate and graduate research projects. “The Cyber Gym enables project-based learning,
Cybersecurity students have also been featured at national forums, including the Aviation Cyber Initiative (ACI) Cyber Rodeo — a collaborative effort between the United States Departments of Homeland Security, Defense and Transportation. “The Cyber Gym provides a space to develop experience with cyber-physical interactions in both a defensive and an offensive security perspective,” said CIS undergraduate student Maxwell Werner, who co-led the cyber CTF competition. “The ability to explore interests in cyber intelligence and security — with the space, tools, resources and support available here — has changed my experience at Embry-Riddle.” According to Dr. Tom Drape, students with experience in the Cyber Gym Makerspace have a clear competitive advantage in the job market after graduation. “The Cyber Gym is a testament to Embry-Riddle’s unwavering commitment to student outcomes,” said Drape. “The success they achieve — such as placement in prestigious organizations like the Department of Defense, Collins Aerospace, Sandia National Labs and others — showcase the Cyber Gym’s key role in ensuring the readiness of our graduates for distinguished careers.”
where students can experiment with different approaches and develop tangible solutions,” said Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya. “The facility combines the hands-on nature of traditional makerspaces with a focus on cyber education.” As a hands-on, “do-it-yourself’ laboratory open to all cybersecurity students, the Cyber Gym serves as a bridge connecting them to the college’s industry partners, Sampigethaya added. “The industry gets a firsthand look at the caliber of talent emerging from the university’s programs,” said Dr. Sampigethaya. “Hence, the Cyber Gym becomes a catalyst for building strong connections between the academic realm and the demands of the industry.” According to statista.com, the global cybersecurity market is expected to reach $273 billion by 2028, including revenue generated from security services as well as cyber solutions to match worldwide cybersecurity threats. This much growth means a wealth of opportunity available for professionals entering the field, and Embry-Riddle’s graduates are trained to face the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry and become leaders within it. “The Cyber Gym fosters innovation and creativity,” said Dr. Sampigethaya. “The skills students acquire ensure that graduates are equipped with the capabilities demanded by employers.” Impacting the Student Experience In its first year, the Cyber Gym has played a prominent role in numerous student-led initiatives. The Aviation Cyber Capture-the-Flag competition, for instance, featured an array of immersive cyber challenges set within the context of aviation. Developed by Embry-Riddle students under faculty mentorship, the project was largely developed in the Cyber Gym facility before being showcased at the DEF CON security conference in August.
s Learn more about our CTF competitions on the next page.
This story was originally written by Keaton Ziem with Embry-Riddle’s News Team.
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CIS Continues to Advance Aviation Cybersecurity with CTF Competitions For CIS students, opportunities for hands-on learning extend well beyond CBSI’s new Cyber Gym Makerspace. Since 2020, the department has offered student-led CTF competitions. CTF competitions are a common type of cybersecurity exercise that require participants to find “flags” in vulnerable or compromised systems. The goal is to develop participants’ cyber intelligence and security skills. Within the context of CIS, students frequently deliver CTFs to industry participants or dominate CTF student competitions at the regional and national level. 2023-2024 CTF highlights included: s Aug. 2023: CIS students built and delivered a CTF competition for over 30,000 industry connections at DEF CON 31. Few industry-vetted CTF competitions are student-led, and none are focused specifically on the cyber challenges in global aviation — except for Embry-Riddle’s competition. s Sep. 2023: CIS students traveled to Dublin for the Aviation Information Sharing and Analysis Center Summit. While in Dublin, students offered a CTF to student teams from over a dozen colleges and universities in Ireland. s Oct. 2023: CBSI partnered with Sandia National Laboratories to host Tracer FIRE 11 at the Prescott Campus. More than 35 teams competed in the CTF, which revolved around a new scenario with multiple cyberattacks on a fictional water utility infrastructure company. 80+ CIS students participated, and Embry-Riddle claimed the top three spots in the competition. The department was also home to the top individual scorer in the competition. s Oct. 2023: Both CIS and engineering students offered an aviation CTF to Collins Aerospace employees during an on-site visit. Students also had the opportunity to engage and learn from several experts and leaders at Collins Aerospace, as well as to visit their state-of-the-art labs, testing rigs and other facilities. s Feb. 2024: The department offered an aviation-focused CTF competition at the Aviation Cyber Initiative Cyber Rodeo. The two-day event was hosted at Embry-Riddle’s Center for Aerospace Resilient Systems on the Daytona Beach Campus and included student recruitment opportunities, demonstrations, poster sessions and technical briefings. s Feb. 2024: Three CIS teams of 10 students competed in the NCAE Cyber Games regionals. Of those three teams, one was invited to nationals and won the top spot in April 2024! The NCAE Cyber Games are specifically designed for students who have never participated in a cyber competition or hackathon before. s April 2024: CIS welcomed to the Prescott Campus over 100 professionals from industry, academia and government, and students from 45+ organizations, for its inaugural ERAU-NASA-NSF aviation cybersecurity workshop. The agenda included more than a dozen panel sessions with community leaders and experts, student research poster presentations and a CTF with cash prizes for student attendees from 24+ universities and industry mentors.
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Student Spotlight
JESSE HIX
Jesse Hix graduated in May 2024 with double majors in Cyber Intelligence and Security and Global Security and Intelligence Studies. Hix also completed minors in Mandarin Chinese and Defense Studies. Prior to walking the graduation stage this past spring, Hix was named a CIS Distinguished Graduate. Hix hopes to one day pursue a government career in cybersecurity, inspired in part by her military and first responder parents. Come Fall 2024, she’ll continue her education at Embry-Riddle and CBSI by completing a Master of Science in Cyber Intelligence and Security — a next step that will help her achieve her ultimate career goal. As an undergraduate, Hix engaged in summer internships at Peraton and in cybersecurity research projects, authoring security publications at the age of 17. She also developed her leadership skills via her experience as an Army ROTC cadet and an assistant cross-country coach. Hix is the youngest NSF SFS scholar within the CIS department. Like pursuing her master’s degree, the SFS scholarship is a valuable opportunity to achieve her educational and professional aspirations in the cyber intelligence and security field.
s 155 In Spring 2024, the Department of Cyber Intelligence and Security educated more than 155 students.
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GSIS Students Lend Their Expertise to Community Partner Each year, the Department of Global Security and Intelligence Studies (GSIS) challenges its students to apply their classroom learnings to the real world. Like CBSI’s other departments, GSIS offers multiple hands-on learning opportunities, from trips abroad (see page 11 for more information) to consulting arrangements. During the 2023-2024 academic year, GSIS partnered with the Town of Prescott Valley, which is just 15 minutes from the Prescott Campus, on one such arrangement.
library. As part of their consulting experience, they thoroughly documented their findings and then developed recommendations for Prescott Valley to review and implement. One GSIS graduate student also had a unique privilege — serving as an emergency management intern for the town. Julianne Kroger, who graduated in May 2024 with an M.S. in Security and Intelligence Studies, took on the task of creating a business continuity plan for Prescott Valley. The plan included two to three years of milestones to help ensure the town continues to make progress on their goals long after Kroger is gone. Kroger’s internship was specifically developed with Embry-Riddle in mind and was the result of an ongoing relationship with a CBSI alumnus. The department is thrilled to be able to assist the Town of Prescott Valley in this capacity and grateful for the town’s willingness to partner with our GSIS students.
Students in the B.S. in Global Security and Intelligence Studies program frequently work with Prescott Valley to develop risk and threat assessments, and this academic year was no different. Over the course of nine months, GSIS students evaluated the city hall/civic center and
s 180 In Spring 2024, the Department of Global Security and Intelligence Studies educated more than 180 students.
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ROTC Students See the World Through Embry-Riddle, Department of Defense Scholarship Program For Mitchell James, spending eight weeks in Jordan, immersed in another language and culture, was life-changing. “I’m looking at a career in the military, so being able to speak Arabic will help me stand out in military and civilian life,” said James, a junior Army ROTC student. “Cultural awareness is also important as an Army officer.” James participated in the Project Global Officer (GO) program, a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative for ROTC cadets that’s meant to improve the critical language skills, regional expertise and intercultural communication skills of future military officers through full-ride scholarships to study abroad. In 2023, a Mandarin Chinese language focus was offered in Taiwan, and an Arabic language focus was offered in Jordan. In summer 2024, Project GO included programs in Taiwan and Morocco. Embry-Riddle is one of just 27 institutions nationally selected to host a Project GO program, according to Dr. Aaron Clevenger, assistant provost and dean of International Programs. “Embry-Riddle’s inclusion demonstrates the university’s commitment to excellence in international education, critical language instruction and the global competency training of our future U.S. military officers,” said Clevenger.
A SUMMER IN TAIWAN
Jason Marsan started Project GO with some Chinese language ability, but the program boosted his skills, as well as his cultural understanding. “We have had some of the country’s best students in the program,” said Dr. Leeann Chen, faculty field coordinator for Project GO Taiwan and professor of Asian Studies in the Department of Global Security and Intelligence Studies. “They are so motivated, and the learning doesn’t stop in the classroom.” Project GO Taiwan, held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, houses students at a hotel near National Kaohsiung Normal University. Local faculty and Embry-Riddle professors lead lessons and trips to local tourist destinations.
A SUMMER IN JORDAN
When Charles Bellett participated in Project GO Jordan, it was his first time traveling out of the country — which he said he’s now planning to do much more often. “It was amazing,” said Bellett. “We lived with host families, which was one of the best parts about it.” The Arabic program is taught by AmidEast faculty in Amman, Jordan, where students stay with local families. On weekends, students visit Petra, the Dead Sea and other cultural sites. AmidEast also offers a course that gives students a deeper look into culture, including the country’s food, religion, history and traditions. Arabic is a challenging language, James said, but being multilingual opens up more career opportunities and bonus pay in the military. Through Project GO, he also had the opportunity to meet ROTC students from around the country. “That was one of the best parts — I made lifelong friends,” said James.
This story was originally written by Melanie Azam with Embry-Riddle’s News Team.
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Faculty Spotlight
PROFESSOR STEVEN R. HOOPER
For students interested in intelligence or security careers, the Department of Global Security & Intelligence Studies offers a particularly valuable perk — every single faculty member has done what they teach. Their direct industry experience benefits students while they are at Embry-Riddle, as well as long after they graduate.
Professor Steven R. Hooper is a shining example of this distinction. Hooper is an assistant professor in the department and a veteran of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). During his 30 years with the FBI, Hooper served as acting special agent in charge of the FBI Phoenix field office and assistant special agent in charge of the national security branch of the FBI Phoenix field office where he led operations for counterintelligence, intelligence, counterterrorism and critical incident response programs. He also served as the chief of the Threat Monitoring Unit in the FBI’s counterterrorism division, where he led a Russian organized crime task force in Budapest, Hungary. Hooper teaches several courses in CBSI, including SIS 335: Counterintelligence and SIS 422: Homeland Security & Technology. He is an invaluable member of the department and college and a beloved mentor for students who hope to build long and successful careers in security and intelligence.
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Business Students Apply Their Learnings Outside the Classroom Each spring, business students who are soon to graduate complete one final course — BA 437: Strategic Management and Consulting. The class is a common requirement for all four of the department’s
The consulting program is so valuable for businesses and students alike that it includes multinational companies and foreign firms in addition to small, local businesses. In some instances, students also work with their counterparts on Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus. Past and current business partners include a diverse group of companies involved in technology, transportation, engineering, automotive and medical systems:
degree programs and another key example of the college’s commitment to hands-on education and authentic experiences. In BA 437 — also known colloquially as the business capstone course — students embark on a faculty-mentored consulting project. Each student team works with an organization in the public, private or non-profit sector to solve real business problems that exist in a real-world setting. Unlike case studies, which are controlled to some degree, students assist their consulting clients within the context of an ever-evolving, hectic business world. Through their consulting experience, students learn to apply their education and growing expertise to complex situations. They learn to accurately define problems and present workable solutions as they deftly respond to client needs. They also learn to employ problem-solving and people- centered skills with agility.
s ITS Norway s Mark Data Systems s Sensio s Ocean Autonomy Cluster s Porsche s Norhybrid s RanTech Engineering & Aerospace, Inc. s Birds Eye Aerial Drones s EpiGuard
s 120 In Spring 2024, the School of Business educated more than 120 students.
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A Stellar Business Education — Inside and Outside the Classroom For business students on the Prescott Campus, consulting projects aren’t the only way to gain valuable industry insight. Airport visits and guest speakers also offer students access to experts and the hands-on experiences that define a CBSI education.
Witnessing their passion and excitement for aviation was truly inspiring.” Dr. Jules Yimga, chair of the department, accompanied the
AI R PORT VI S ITS
CBSI students had the chance to visit Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Mesa Gateway Airport this year. Professor Friedlan accompanied the department’s Mesa Gateway group on a four-hour visit that included insights from airport executives and an exclusive tour of the Gulfstream hangar. Friedlan noted that this visit enabled her to “connect with students beyond the confines of the classroom.
Chicago O’Hare group. Their visit to Illinois included a behind-the-scenes tour of the international airport, as well as an alumnus-led tour of United Airlines headquarters. Students were able to connect classroom knowledge with real-world examples of their courses in action, as well as to network with industry leaders and potential employers.
GUEST SPEAKERS
During the 2023-2024 academic year, the department welcomed two guest speakers — Mr. Balram Bheodari, airport general manager at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Mr. Alex Gertsen, director of airports and ground infrastructure at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Mr. Bheodari discussed the complexities of running the world’s busiest airport. He also offered students actionable advice for pursuing a business career in aviation, including how to begin achieving this goal while in college. Mr. Gertsen provided an equally valuable perspective, this time into the opportunities surrounding business aviation. He also highlighted the important role the NBAA plays in setting national and local policy.
Scan to learn more about these events, including the role student organizations like the American Association of Airport Executives chapter play in organizing them.
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Shenov credits CBSI and student clubs like the American Association of Airport Executives with his career success. They provided Shenov with networking opportunities that enabled him to explore the business of aviation and form connections with people in the industry. He now welcomes the chance to do the same for others, noting, “[This] trip is what inspired me to work for United... What if it inspires someone else to do the same thing? When I was leading the tour, I could just see in the eyes of the students how excited they were. Seeing them excited made me even more excited about working here too. They were just so engaged…It felt like a full-circle moment.”
Alumni Spotlight
GLEB SHENOV
In April 2024, CBSI alumnus Gleb Shenov (’19) had a unique honor. He led a tour of United Airlines’ Chicago, Illinois headquarters for Embry-Riddle students — the very same tour that Shenov had once attended as a student and that sparked his passion for his current career path. Shenov, who majored in Aviation Business Administration with a concentration in Airport and Airline Management, is a Global Network Planning and Alliances Senior Analyst. While his day-to-day tasks are ever-changing, the heart of his role is building the flight schedule for the company.
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Students and Faculty Collaborate to Improve Classroom Experience
In addition to the skills growth that student partners experience, faculty members benefit too. Fleming observed that faculty, “get a better understanding of the student perspectives in their course… Our faculty have reported feeling better connected with students, being reminded of what it is like to be a student, feeling more comfortable with engaging with students and increasing student engagement in their courses.” For Fleming, one of the most gratifying parts of SAP has been the confirmation that “our students are one of the most impactful elements in our classroom, which is not surprising, but reinforced our thought process behind the program.” One recent mid-semester feedback survey for Spring 2024 found that 81% of classes felt a student partner positively impacted their learning. Feedback like “This experience changed how I do school,” underscores the importance of SAP. Rice, who has previously worked with Dr. Tyrone Groh and now assists Fleming in growing the SAP program, can see why such feedback is possible: “Students in a class with a student partner have someone advocating for their learning experience every day. They benefit from the changes the student partner suggests on their behalf.” Dr. Drape is also a strong supporter of CTLE and the SAP program. According to Drape, “Personal attention to student success is a hallmark value at Embry-Riddle, and the SAP program focuses on the engagement of the student in the learning process to truly move us closer to a transformative educational experience.” Taken in total, SAP is a win-win for all involved — the student partner, the faculty partner and the students themselves.
For the vast majority of undergraduate students, the course curriculum and teaching methods they encounter are fully owned and administered by their professors without much feedback on the process. But for students in the College of Business, Security & Intelligence, the course curriculum and the methods to teach it are becoming a more collaborative endeavor. Taylor Begley, Maren Rice and Sydni Stoffel are Student Partners — a unique role that tasks participating students with enhancing student-student and student-faculty collaboration, as well as fostering a more supportive learning environment. The role and its related program are a joint effort with the Center for Teaching & Learning Excellence, dubbed Students-as-Partners (or SAP). Participating faculty receive weekly insight on their courses from the perspective of the student, while student partners hone a host of skills. Stoffel, who worked with Professor Alan Saquella on SIS 352: White Collar Crime, described the program as instrumental to her overall development: “Collaborating with diverse groups of students enhanced my communication and leadership skills. It provided me with a deeper understanding of the course material as I had to articulate concepts to my peers. Additionally, the experience of working closely with Professor Saquella allowed me to gain insights into the academic and professional aspects of the field, contributing significantly to my growth as a future professional.” Begley and Rice echo these sentiments, with Begley noting that the program presented her “with the opportunity to conduct in-depth research into highly specialized fields. [It] allowed me to understand how to design and facilitate material in a way that is relevant to everyone.” She partnered with Professor Steven Hooper on multiple classes. The SAP program began with a campus-wide pilot in Fall 2022, before launching in earnest in Spring 2023. According to Aimee Fleming, who serves as the associate director of the Center for Teaching & Learning Excellence, the program began with eight faculty and student partners, but “has continued to double in size and positive influence.”
Scan to learn more about the Students-as-Partners program.
This story was originally written by Caroline Duda, CBSI’s college brand manager.
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Rudy R. Miller Proffers a New Scholarship Program at Embry-Riddle’s College of Business, Security & Intelligence
She excelled in White Collar Crime and is currently showcasing her powers in both my Security Investigation and Interview Technique and Tactics courses. Haley not only embraces challenges, but surpasses my expectations. Her willingness to take risks reflects a commendable dedication to learning.” Saquella continued, “I am particularly thrilled that she is the first recipient of this prestigious 2023 Rudy R. Miller College of Business, Security & Intelligence Scholarship. This major accomplishment underscores her commitment and potential for success in her field... I am immensely proud of Haley and know that she will achieve remarkable feats.” Mr. Rudy R. Miller also serves on the CBSI advisory board. The college thanks him for generously supporting CBSI students and the future of our business, security and intelligence workforces.
Rudy R. Miller recently awarded his first College of Business, Security & Intelligence scholarship to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student, Haley Childress. Ms. Childress is a senior pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Global Security and Intelligence Studies, with minors in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies, as well as Psychology. Along with studying and maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Ms. Childress is an active member of the Security Industry Association. She is a member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (IORG, a youth club that teaches leadership, confidence and citizenship) where she is responsible for coordinating fundraisers with the organization. As an IORG leader, Ms. Childress raised money for charity, as well as donated needed items to a charity that works toward getting homeless people back on their feet. Ms. Childress is also the treasurer of Talonz Gaming Guild and is on the staff of the Guild’s discord server. Rudy R. Miller, Chairman, President and CEO of The Miller Group and related entities, stated, “Ms. Childress is an extraordinary person with exceptional focus and intellectual acumen. Her proud parents are very supportive of her goals and objectives. In her freshman year of high school, she was given the opportunity to take Homeland Security as an elective course. In her sophomore year, she was taking community college courses that she was able to transfer to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. It’s a privilege to mentor her as she looks forward to a career with a United States government agency or private industry. I would like to thank Dr. Thomas Drape, dean of CBSI, Steve Bobinsky, executive director of philanthropy, and Alan Saquella, professor, for their time with me and Haley at the university.” Ms. Childress said, “When I received notification that I would be receiving the initial illustrious Rudy R. Miller CBSI Scholarship award, I was ecstatic. Then I was able to learn more about Mr. Miller, a serial entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is truly a high-energy, colorful individual with a tremendous background and expertise in numerous fields. His mentorship and faith in me will aid in my future opportunities.” Alan Saquella, professor of Global Security and Intelligence Studies, commented, “I am delighted to highlight Haley Childress’s exceptional presence in my courses.
This story originally appeared in The Miller Group’s newsroom.
EMBRY.-RIDDLE Aeronautical University 3700 Willow Creek Road I Prescott, AZ. 86301
College of Business, Security & Intelligence prescott.erau.edu/cbsi
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University College of Business, Security and Intelligence 3700 Willow Creek Road | Prescott, AZ 86301 prescott.erau.edu/cbsi
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