Center Leadership

Chris Simpson

Mr. Chris Simpson – Point of Contact (PoC)

Director, Center for Cybersecurity
Primary CAE POC
MS Cybersecurity Co-Academic Program Director
Email: csimpson@nu.edu
Phone: (858) 309-3418

Mr. Simpson holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Computer and Information Science (CIS) from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science degree in Information Security and Assurance from George Mason University. He is currently a Doctoral student at Dakota State University. His certifications include Computer and Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN), GIAC Python Coder (GPYC), Cloud Security Alliance Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK), Navy Master Training Specialist and the KM Institute Certified Knowledge Manager.

Dr. James Jaurez

Dr. James Jaurez

MS Cybersecurity, Co-Academic Program Director
Email: jjaurez@nu.edu
Phone: (858) 309-3458

Dr. Jaurez is a dedicated Academic Program Director and Associate Professor in Information Technology Management at National University where he has served since 2004. Dr. Jaurez is also a FIRST Robotics Head Coach since 2014 and leads outreach in robotics to the community through partnerships with Makerplace, Steam MakerFest, UCSD Create, Learning for Life, and many others over his over 19 years as an educator. Dr. Jaurez holds degrees in Computing Technology (PhD), Education (Masters), Cybersecurity (MS), Business Administration and Finance (MBA), Marketing (BS), and Physics (Minor). Dr. Jaurez has professional experience in scientific instruments and software development. He also has led and been awarded many grants from Hewlett Packard, NASA, Qualcomm, Pratt and Whitney, WE Electronics, Department of Defense, NU Innovation and NU Continued Innovations in the fields of game methodologies, robotics, fabrication, education, and community outreach. Dr. Jaurez has books, publications, and presentations in education technology, robotics, cybersecurity, project management, productivity, gamification, and simulations. Finally, Dr. Jaurez is a leader at New Break Christian Church, a member of ACM, the PMI, and many other professional organizations.

Mr. Bill Reid

Mr. Bill Reid

BS Cybersecurity Academic Program Director
Alternate CAE POC
Email: wreid2@nu.edu
Phone: (858) 309-3464

Bill Reid is the Academic Program Director for National University’s BS in Cybersecurity program. Prior to his current position Bill served as the Dean of Education at Coleman University. Before being assigned that role, Bill served 3 years as Program Director for both the Cybersecurity and Software Development Programs at Coleman. In addition to various industry technical certifications, Bill is a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). He also serves on the board of the Information Security Audits and Controls Association (ISACA) as one of its Educational Outreach Coordinators and is a mentor for SET High School students in Cybersecurity.

Dr. Nancy Jones

Dr. Nancy Jones

Full Time Faculty
K-12 Support Lead
Email: njones2@nu.edu

Dr. Jones holds an Ed.D degree in College Leadership/Higher Education from California State University-Fullerton. She is retired from Coastline Community College, serving her last 8 years as Dean of Instruction.  Prior to her responsibilities as dean, Dr. Jones served as a tenured faculty member for 17 years teaching networking/cybersecurity at Coastline.  Dr. Jones has several certifications including  Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCTS), Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA), Cisco Certified Academy Instructor (CCAI), CompTIA Security+, and Oracle Academy Instructor-SQL.