FACULTY
The Cybersecurity faculty are dedicated, long-term professionals who have proven commitment for providing high quality technical education, while emphasizing the importance of good character, work ethic, and virtues of public and private service in cybersecurity-related occupations.
Mr. Poarch is the director of the Augusta Tech Cyber Institute and is the department head for the Augusta Technical College Cybersecurity program. He has been working with computer technology almost his whole career, which began in the early 70’s. Prior to his career at Augusta Technical College he worked as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer where he integrated computer technologies into manufacturing processes. During his last years in his industrial career he was responsible for acquiring, implementing, and managing a Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) VAX system. He became proficient in the VAX OS (Operating System) and the DEC networking system and protocols called DECnet. He was responsible for managing and securing this system which supported forty engineers performing CAPP (Computer Aided Process Planning) in a defense product manufacturing facility.
Mr. Poarch began his career at Augusta Technical College in 1990 as a manufacturing engineer in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center (AMTEC). During his time in AMTEC he worked with various manufacturing technologies and developed many manufacturing related continuing education courses. He taught AutoCAD, NOVELL networking, as well as other advanced manufacturing related classes. In 1994 Mr. Poarch moved into CIS Programming Department where he taught C programming, Visual Basic, and Data Communications. In 1995 he was tasked to implement the Microcomputer Program, which is now the Computer Support program.
In 1996 Mr. Poarch initiated and headed up the development and implementation of the Networking Specialist program. Augusta Technical College was the first technical college in Georgia to implement the networking program. Mr. Poarch was the department head of networking and instructor until 2015. When the networking program was implemented NOVELL was the most used networking technology. NOVELL was taught at Augusta Technical College until Microsoft became the dominant OS and networking technology. Mr. Poarch taught Microsoft client, server, SQL, SQL server, and other networking classes until 1999 when Augusta Technical College became a Cisco Networking Academy. Mr. Poarch is a CCAI (Cisco Certified Academy Instructor) who taught the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional), and CCNA Security programs.
In 2015 Mr. Poarch developed and implemented the Cybersecurity degree program which teaches cyber defense technologies such as firewalls, intrusion detection, VPNs, best security practices, penetration testing, digital forensics, security policy development, and so forth. Mr. Poarch has taught these Cybersecurity program classes: Computer Concepts, Information Security Fundamentals, Microsoft Windows Client, UNIX/Linux Introduction, Cisco Introduction to Networks, Cisco Routing and Switching Essentials, Hardware Installation and Maintenance, Network Security, Cisco CCNA Security, and Scripting.
Mr. Poarch has been the Chairperson for the TCSG (Technical College System of Georgia) CIST (Computer Information Systems Technology) IFCC (Instructional Faculty Consortium Committee) since 2010. He is also the TCSG IFCC Cybersecurity Subcommittee Chairperson. Mr. Poarch serves on several K-12 and other committees in the Augusta area that help facilitate the enhancement of cyber security education in the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area). He is also a member of Information Technology Committee for the Georgia Department of Education.
Mr. Poarch’s education includes a BS in Computer Science, a Master’s degree in Computer Resources Management, numerous training seminars and classes, and several IT industry certifications.
Vianne Prowse is a Cyber Security Instructor at Augusta Technical College. Ms. Prowse received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota in Economics/Math and an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Networking from Augusta Technical College. She has supplemented her education with training seminars and currently holds several industry certifications and is a CCAI (Cisco Certified Academy Instructor).
Prior to teaching at Augusta Technical College, Ms. Prowse taught middle school math and language arts for 13 years. She also served 6 years in the US Army as an Interrogator and Arabic and Japanese linguist.
Ms. Prowse has taught the following courses:
CIST 2451 Introduction to Networking
CIST 2452 Routing, Switching and Wireless Essentials
Mr. Riley is the department head for the Augusta Technical College Networking program. He has been working in computer technology for the past 25 years. Prior to his career at Augusta Technical College he worked as a Technology Support Specialist for Columbia County Public Schools. Prior to working for Columbia County School District, Mr. Riley served 20 years in the US Army doing a variety of computer tasks and radio repair as Senior Non Commissioned Officer.
Mr. Riley began his career at Augusta Technical College in 2010 as a Networking Instructor. Mr. Riley is a CCAI (Cisco Certified Academy Instructor) who teaches the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), also MCSA (Microsoft Certified System Administration) and teaches Microsoft courses, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and teaches Ethical Hacking and Penetration testing.
Mr. Riley has been the Vice-Chair for the TCSG (Technical College System of Georgia) Networking Sub-committee since 2014. Mr. Riley education includes a BS in Electronic Management, numerous training seminars and classes, and several IT industry certifications.
Cyber Security Courses Taught in the last 3 years:
CIST 1601 Information Security Fundamentals
CIST 2411 Implement Microsoft Windows Professional Client
CIST 2451 Cisco Introduction to Networks
CIST 2601 Implementing Operating Systems Security
CIST 2602 Network Security
CIST 2613 Ethical Hacking/Penetration Testing
Mr. Scott is an instructor for the Augusta Technical College Networking program. He has over 19 years of experience in telecommunications electronics maintenance and information technology. His career started in the U.S. Army where he served for 7 and a half years. From there, he worked for 8 years as a Computer Automations Technician on Fort Gordon before joining Augusta Technical College in 2013 as the Systems Administrator for the school. After doing that for nearly 3 years, he decided to join the faculty as a Networking Instructor.
His educational background includes a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, a Master’s in Information Technology, a Master’s in Business Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance. He also holds A+, Network+, GSEC and GCIH certifications.
Mr. Scott continues his training through conferences and research on the latest techniques in systems, networking and cybersecurity.
Cyber Security Courses Taught in the last 3 years:
CIST 1602 Security Policies and Procedures
CIST 2411 Implement Microsoft Windows Professional Client
CIST 2431 UNIX/Linux Introduction
CIST 2601 Implementing Operating Systems Security
CIST 2602 Network Security
CIST 2611 Network Defense and Countermeasures
Chester Miquel Smith is a Cyber Security Instructor at Augusta Technical College. He received an Associate's and Bachelor’s degree from Thomas Edison State College, Trenton NJ and Masters of Science, Information Systems Security from Strayer University, Augusta GA. Mr. Smith Continues his education with seminars and classes in the Information Assurance field and the educational arena. He has several Industry certifications including A+, N+, Sec+, MCP and is in the final stage of earning a B.S. in Education with an emphasis in history from Augusta University.
Before joining the team at Augusta Technical College, Mr. Smith enjoyed a 22-year career with the U.S. Army with 15 years in the Infantry, 2 years in recruiting and finishing up with five years as an Information Technology Specialist. Mr. Smith spent several years both in uniform and as a contractor, as well as instructing at Fort Gordon teaching courses on Microsoft Client and Server, Security +, Solaris and Network Vulnerability Detection and Remediation.
Mr. Smith started teaching for Augusta Technical College in 2012 at the Grovetown Campus and taught for several years at the Thompson Campus. He started at Augusta Campus in 2016, joined the Cybersecurity program full-time in July of 2018, and currently teaches the following courses:
CIST 1001 Computer Concepts
CIST 1122 Hardware Installation and maintenance
CIST 1601 Information Security Fundamentals
CIST 2411 Microsoft Client
CIST 2602 Network Security
CIST 1401 Computer Networking Fundamentals
Ms. Gail Volz is a Security Instructor at Augusta Technical College. She received her B.S in Computer Science from the University of Georgia and M.S in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Ms. Volz has been working in and around Information Security Systems since the 1980’s. During her Federal Government career she lead software teams supporting the development and maintenance of Electronic Surveillance Measure Systems, developed and taught the Army’s initial Information Security Courses, and directed the Army’s Regional Computer Emergency Response Team – South from concept to disestablishment. Ms. Volz has taught Cyber Security and Computer Science Courses for the US Army and several universities and colleges.
She holds the following Industry certifications: CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), GCIH (GIAC Certified Incident Handler), GCIA (GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst), GPEN (GIAC Network Penetration Testing Certification), GPYC (GIAC Python Coder), GCFA (GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst), GSNA (GIAC Systems Network Auditor Certification) and GCED (GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender).
Ms. Volz joined the Cybersecurity Program full-time in May 2019 and is currently teaching:
CIST 1601 Information Security Fundamentals
CIST 1602 Security Policies & Procedures
CIST 2602 Network Security
CIST 2431 UNIX/Linux Introduction
Adjunct Faculty
Mr. Barnes is a Cybersecurity Instructor at Augusta Technical College, Cyber Institute. Mr. Barnes graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He also holds two master’s degrees from Covenant Theological Seminary.
Mr. Barnes currently works at the Army Cyber Protection Brigade, Fort Gordon, GA.
He is a cybersecurity subject matter expert and holds the following cybersecurity certifications: Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), Certified Information Security Manager, and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Mr. Barnes began his career at Augusta Technical College in 2020 and teaches the following class:
CIST 2602 Network Security
Michael Blache is the Chief Information Security Officer of TaxSlayer. Prior to joining TaxSlayer, Michael worked as a network administrator for a managed service provider in the private sector and as an Information Technology Specialist in the Navy and Air Force. He first joined the TaxSlayer team in 2004 as an IT Manager. After six months on the job, he was promoted to the position of Director of Information Technology which he held for 11 years. He became a member of the executive team in 2015 and has been instrumental in organizing and structuring the organization’s first dedicated Information Security Department operating separately from the IT Department.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree from South University and a Master of Science in Information Assurance degree from Norwich University. He also holds several industry certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional and several GIAC certifications.
Ms. Felicia McGee-Clarke is a Cyber and Digital Education Adjunct Professor for Augusta Technical College. She is also a Cyber Security and Computer Science Teacher for Richmond County School System. She has over 15 years of experience in K-12 and higher education as a Technology Specialist (Former) and Teacher (Current).
Ms. Clarke joined the Cyber and Digital Education Department as an Adjunct Professor in 2016. Ms. Clarke received her B.S in Computer Science from Troy University and a Master of Arts in Teaching, Workforce Education (Trade and Industrial Education) from the University of Georgia. She is a Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator, Microsoft Certified Professional and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist. She is also CompTIA Security plus CE and Information Technology Infrastructure Library V3 Foundation Certified.
Ms. Clarke continues her training by attending cyber/computer science conferences, professional development, and training seminars. As a Teacher she provides a theory of education and hands on activities that helps her students gain career, leadership and personal skills that maximize their ability to become career ready and productive citizens in the workforce. One of her favorite quotes is “If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose” (T.D. Jakes). Her passion for Teaching and Technology have led her to her purpose to inspire students to graduate, to mentor students on how to become productive citizens in the workforce and provide them with knowledge needed for future careers in Information Technology.
She currently teaches the following courses:
CIST 1001 Computer Concepts
CIST 2411 Microsoft Client
Christian Dueberry is a retired U. S. Marine Corps combat veteran with over 18 years of experience guiding teams to successfully meeting and exceeding organizational goals throughout the Intelligence Community. He has extensive technical, tactical, and leadership experience in Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) operations, multi-aperture airborne collection, geo-location operations, reconnaissance operations, network operations, near real-time Indications and Warnings (I&W) reporting, and cyberspace strategy/policy development. Mr. Dueberry also has experience in exploiting communications which includes familiarity with communications intercept receivers, specialized computer hardware and software programs, and wide-band converters in the process of collecting, recording, analyzing, and supporting computerized network operations missions as well as reporting on a wide variety of intercepted communications signals.
Mr. Dueberry is an innovative Software Developer well-versed in all phases of the software development lifecycle, including, performance, functionality, integration, implementation, regression, and user acceptance. He possesses a strong working knowledge of solution-based problem-solving techniques, algorithms, object-oriented programming, data structures, and database management.
Mr. Dueberry has leadership experience with Project Management via Agile/Scrum and Waterfall Methodologies building and managing project teams with a solution-oriented approach. He is also a successful manager of large information technology programs in a variety of environments with a global perspective.
Mr. William Howard is a Cybersecurity instructor at Augusta Technical College. He received his B.S. in Computer Science from McMurry University.
Mr. Howard has a military background of over 24 years, working in Intelligence and Cybersecurity. He has worked in Cybersecurity for eight years working with computer information analysis, computer forensics, and computer programming. Mr. Howard also taught at the Army Cyber School where he taught computer programming and ethical hacking.
Mr. Howard holds the following industry certifications: GCFA (GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst), GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester), and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
Mr. Howard joined the Cybersecurity Program as an adjunct instructor in May 2020 and is currently teaching:
CIST 2434 UNIX/Linux Scripting
Mr. Hurst is an instructor for the Augusta Technical College Cybersecurity program. He has over 20 years of experience in telecommunications electronics maintenance and information technology. His career started in the U.S. Army where he served for 20 years. Following retirement from the military, he began and continues to work with Amazon Web Services as a security consultant. Mr. Hurst has previously taught multiple courses for the U.S. Army and joined Augusta Technical College as an adjunct instructor in 2019.
His educational background includes a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and a Master’s in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. Mr. Hurst holds numerous industry certifications including CEH, Security+, CASP, GCIH, and AWS Cloud Practitioner.
Cyber Security Courses Taught in the last 3 years:
CIST 2455 Cisco Certified Network Associated - Security
CIST 2614 Cisco Cybersecurity Operations Associate
CIST 2480 AWS Academy Cloud Foundations
Mr. Kevin Jones is a Cybersecurity instructor at Augusta Technical College. He received his B.S. in Cybersecurity from the University of Maryland University College.
Mr. Jones comes from a military background of over 22 years where he has been working with Information Technology and Cybersecurity. He has worked in Cybersecurity with the military for over seven years working with computer forensics and host analysis procedures and training analyst teams to use enterprise tools like a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platform while supporting operations for the Army. He also currently works as an instructor at for the Army teaching Cybersecurity subjects like computer forensics and defensive cyberspace operations.
Mr. Jones holds the following industry certifications: GCFE (GIAC Certified Forensics Expert), GCFA (GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst), GCNA (GIAC Certified Network Analyst), GCDA (GIAC Certified Detection Analyst), CompTIA CASP, CompTIA Security +, EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), EC-Council Computer Network Defender, EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH), and EC-Council Certified Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI).
Mr. Kevin Jones joined the Cybersecurity Program as an adjunct instructor in August 2020 and is currently teaching:
CIST 2612 Computer Forensics
Mr. Merrick Martin is a Cyber Operation Planner with the Department of Defense (DoD). He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Incarnate Word (UIW) and Graduate degree from Tarleton State University, Master of Science in Information System Technology.
Mr. Martin has over 19 years of experience working in the field of Cybersecurity and information technology. Over his military career, he has worked in numerous positions within the U.S. Army. From information technology desktop support, network operations center (NOC's), incident responder, and cyber operations planner. His current military assignment is the primary instructor at the U.S. Army Cyber School. He also accumulated several industry certifications over the span of his career; most notable are: Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA Certified Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP), GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN), GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) and GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA).
Mr. Martin joined the Cybersecurity Program as an Adjunct instructor in May of 2017 and is currently teaching:
CIST 2431 Unix/Linux Introduction
CIST2611 Network Defense & Countermeasure
Mr. Jair Morehouse is a Cyber Security Instructor at Augusta Technical College. He received an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland University College and a MPA from Bowie State University, MD.
Mr. Morehouse joined the Augusta Tech team in the fall of 2020 as an adjunct teaching the CCNA Switching Routing Wireless Essential course.
Mr. Morehouse is retiring from the U.S. Army after 25+ (active duty) years April 2022. He started his career as a 31R, Multi-Channel Transmissions Systems Operator/Maintainer. He eventually became a 25A Signal Officer, then concluded as a 26B Information Systems Manager (and in 2022 – 26Bs changed to Data Systems Engineer).
Mr. Morehouse has facilitated the AWS Foundations course to the DoD since June 2020. In addition to being the ACE (Administrator Counselor Evaluator) for the 26B course, he instructs the new AWS Engineer course (starting 6 April 2021). His next task will be preparing and rolling out the new Data Curriculum course starting in 2022.
Mr. Morehouse has several Industry certifications including ITIL, AWS Cloud Practitioner, Net+, Sec+, CCNA R/S, CCNA Wireless, CCNA Security, CCNA Cyber Ops, AWS Architect, AWS SYSOPS Admin, AWS Developer, and CASP.
Mr. James Michael Price is one of our CIST 1001 Instructors who Joined the cyber/distance education team in 2019. He began his teaching career in the Richmond County Public School System back in 2001. He taught in the Public School system until 2008. After his journey in the public school system he taught in the Adult Education GED program teaching Math preparatory classes to prepare students for the GED test. He worked in the 300 and 800 building on the Main Augusta Tech Campus from 2009-2012.
His teaching journey continued. He has taught at various private technical colleges in Augusta Georgia and in the surrounding areas teaching all kinds of technology and business classes. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration from DeVry University and a Master’s of Science Degree in Educational Technology from Keller Graduate School of Management.
He also holds a number of Microsoft Certifications and has a rich background in computer and business information systems. He really enjoys teaching and watching students learn and grow in their chosen career field.
Michael Rhodes has over 25 years of experience in communications and information technology. His career started in the U.S. Army where he served for 20 years.
Mr. Rhodes currently works as a Microsoft Instructor with the Department of Defense at Fort Gordon, Georgia where he has been employed for over 12 years. He has been an Adjunct Instructor at Augusta Tech since August 2017.
Mr. Rhodes' educational background includes a Bachelor’s in Information Technology Management. He also holds A+, Network+, Security+ and numerous Microsoft Client and Server certifications. He enjoys teaching and sharing knowledge and experience with students that are eager to learn and grow. "Knowledge is power" so he encourages students to learn as much as they can!
Fernando Tomlinson is a Cybersecurity instructor at Augusta Technical College. He received his B.S. in Computer Studies from the University of Maryland University College, M.S. in Information Technology from East Georgia State University, and MBA from Columbia Southern University. He is a Cyber Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army and has been serving for 19 years, where he's gained experience in incident response, penetration testing, forensics, and malware analysis.
He holds the following industry certifications: ·Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), GIAC Certified Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM), GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA), GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN), GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GISCP), GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE), GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA), GIAC Certified Python Coder (GPYC), GIAC Systems and Network Auditor (GSNA), GIAC Certified Security Administrator (GCWN), GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) Server 2012, Information Tech. Infrastructure Library – Fundamentals (ITIL-F), Linux Professional Institute Level 1 (LPIC-1), Novell Certified Linux Administrator (CLA), CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP), CompTIA Network Plus (Net+), CompTIA Security Plus (Sec+), CompTIA Linux Plus (Linux+), and CompTIA A Plus (A+)
Carl Towns is a Cybersecurity Instructor at Augusta Technical College. He received a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems from Wayland Baptist University and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Webster University.
Mr. Towns has over 15 years of experience in Information Technology and Systems Configuration with 13 years focused on Information Systems and Network Security. His career started in the U.S. Army where he served for 21 years before retiring. From there, he has worked for 2 years as a DoD contractor on Fort Gordon, instructing the U.S. Army’s 17 series on Defensive and Offensive Cyberspace Operations.
Mr. Towns is passionate about learning new things, especially in the Cybersecurity field. He holds the following Industry certifications: CASP+, CySA+, Security+, Linux+, CEH, GCED, GCIH, GCIA, GCFE, GSEC, and Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate.
Mr. Towns joined the Cybersecurity Program part-time in July 2020 and is currently teaching:
CIST 2613 Ethical Hacking/Penetration Testing