University of Phoenix faculty spotlight: Edward Spear

Edward Spear seems to do things in volume. He holds 23 (and counting) certifications in cybersecurity, business and management. He estimates he’s taught upward of 600 classes at UOPX since 2002. His professional titles have spanned CIO and CXO to vice president of cybersecurity and senior subject matter expert in cybersecurity. In this Q&A, Spear reflects on how his robust experience across industries informs his approach to the classroom.

A: I am a board of directors advisor and the CXO [chief experience officer] for TRaViS, an external attack surface management software platform.

A: In response to an executive order that required certain agencies to draft plans for implementing zero trust architecture, I authored a strategy for the U.S. Department of Education. This culminated in a $20 million funding award. 

A: This year, I had a student who was used to mainframe computers — massive, old-school, data-center computers. I helped him move forward into the current cyber technology via a total mindset shift. I provided comparison techniques personally and in class to help bridge the differential knowledge gap.

A: As an experienced CXO, I focus on how to provide IT to non-IT board of directors officers. Understanding IT is one thing, but you have to know how to translate terms, jargon and even goals to stakeholders who don’t have an IT background. This kind of skill comes from my 46 years of Navy and business experience at the top levels — and I make sure my students learn it.

A: What I found as an online student specifically with UOPX is that there is a lot of reading material to cover each week. Instructors may or may not post additional learning material during the discussions. I used to do my reading in the morning before work, and I did my discussions in the evening when I came home.

The fact that UOPX is asynchronous allows students to continue with their work life as well as their school life uninterruptedly. I would highly recommend this route.

A: Write the plan down. Check it daily.

A: Fly my fighter jet as I did in my Top Gun days.

Edward Spear has an extensive background as a chief information security officer, chief information financial officer, chief information officer and board of director advisor, as well as a strong foundation of academic training and teaching. During his career, which has spanned U.S. Naval Academy training and service, corporate leadership and higher education, he has focused on leading technology training initiatives, driving innovative solutions and ensuring the highest standards of security and compliance. He holds four master’s degrees and multiple certifications in business, management and cybersecurity. He is also a doctoral candidate in management information systems.