Mr. Edmondson is a Cybersecurity Instructor and Department Chair at Augusta Technical College. He holds an Associate degree in Cybersecurity, a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum Design and Instruction. He continues to advance his professional expertise through ongoing seminars and coursework focused on network defense, incident response, and emerging cybersecurity practices. His industry certifications include CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA, and Cisco CyberOps Associate.
He has taught or currently teaches the following courses:
CIST 1001 Computer Concepts
CIST 1601 Information Security Fundamentals
CIST 2411 Microsoft Client
CIST 2451 Introduction to Networking
CIST 2452 Routing, Switching and Wireless Essentials
CIST 2601 Implementing Operating Systems Security
CIST 2602 Network Security
CIST 2611 Network Defense & Countermeasures
Brady Nielsen is a Cybersecurity Instructor at Augusta Technical College. He joined the Cybersecurity program in May 2022. He previously was a full-time Cybersecurity Instructor at Spokane Falls Community College for 10 years.
Mr. Nielsen has a Bachelor of General Studies degree and MBA from Gonzaga University, Spokane WA, and a Master of Science in Information Assurance with a concentration in cybersecurity from Regis University, Denver CO. He has held numerous industry certifications over his career. He maintains his CISSP which was awarded in June 2016.
He has over 20 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity. His titles included Desktop Support Technician, User Services Supervisor, Senior Security Analyst, and Enterprise Security Administrator. His career started in the US Army as a Psychological Operations Specialist (37F) which introduced him to secure computing. He worked in higher education, manufacturing, and retail environments. He has experience in risk management, compliance, digital forensics incidence response, and network security.
Since starting at Augusta Technical College, he has taught the following courses:
CIST 1601 Information Security Fundamentals
CIST 1602 Security Policies and Procedures
CIST 2411 Microsoft Client
CIST 2601 Implementing Operating System Security
CIST 2612 Computer Forensics
CIST 2613 Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
CIST 2935 VMware VSphere
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. 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
Dr. 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.
Dr. Gail Volz is a Security Instructor at Augusta Technical College. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Georgia and her Master of Science in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Dr. Volz has worked in and around information security systems since the 1980s. During her federal government career, she led software teams supporting the development and maintenance of Electronic Surveillance Measure systems, developed and taught the U.S. Army’s initial information security courses, and directed the Army’s Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT)–South from concept through disestablishment. She has also taught cybersecurity and computer science courses for the U.S. Army as well as for multiple 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 and Network Auditor), and GCED (GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender).
Dr. 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
Sharmen Schwertfeger is a Cyber-Related Instructor at Augusta Technical College. She earned her Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Purdue University and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Maryland. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Cyber Security at Augusta University, where her research focuses on designing AI systems that preserve learner agency in augmented reality. Ms. Schwertfeger holds several industry certifications including CompTIA Security+ and Cisco CCNA instructor credentials. She is also a U.S. Air Force veteran.
Ms. Schwertfeger is passionate about helping students succeed and believes in creating learning environments where students develop not just technical skills, but also the confidence to solve problems independently. Her research on how students learn with AI tools directly informs her teaching, as she works to ensure technology enhances rather than replaces genuine understanding.
Ms. Schwertfeger has taught the following courses:
CIST 2411 Microsoft Client
CIST 2451 Introduction to Networking
CIST 2452 Routing, Switching and Wireless Essentials
CIST 2453 Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation
CIST 2611 Network Defense & Countermeasures
CIST 1001 Computer Concepts/p>
COMP 1000 CompTIA Network+
Dr. Michael D. Artis, Ed.D., MBA, CSAP is an accomplished cybersecurity and information technology educator and practitioner with experience spanning higher education, K–12 education, and enterprise IT environments. He holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Instructional Leadership from National University, where his research examined the impact of parental education, socioeconomic status, and race on middle school computer science achievement. Dr. Artis also holds an MBA, along with advanced academic training in information technology, cybersecurity, and instructional design.
Dr. Artis joined the faculty at Augusta Technical College on January 2, 2026, where he serves as an Instructor teaching Information Systems Security, Digital Forensics, and Cybersecurity Fundamentals. Prior to this role, he held leadership and faculty positions as Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology at Paine College, as well as Adjunct Professor for cybersecurity programs at multiple institutions, including ThriveDX. His teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning, industry alignment, and workforce readiness.
In the industry, Dr. Artis has served as an IT Manager and Information Technology Administrator at Centerra-SRS, providing leadership over enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity operations, compliance, and incident response in mission-critical environments. His professional background also includes work with organizations such as Leidos and Comtech Telecommunications, supporting federal and defense-related IT systems. A retired U.S. Army veteran and Certified Security Analytics Professional (CSAP), Dr. Artis integrates real-world experience with academic rigor, aligning instruction with NIST frameworks and the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity.
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.
Adjunct Faculty
Mr. Roberto Abeledo is a Cybersecurity instructor at Augusta Technical College. He received a B.S. from Purdue University , M.A. in Communications from Georgia Southern University, and a M.S. in Information Security Management from Augusta University. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy from Augusta University.
Mr. Abeledo currently works at the Army Cyber Protection Brigade in Fort Gordon, GA as a Cyber Warfare Officer and has a combined 17 years of military experience across various cohorts.
Mr. Roberto Abeledo holds the following professional certifications: GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and CompTIA Network+ / Security+.
Mr. Abeledo began his career at Augusta Technical College in 2024 and teaches the following courses:
CIST 2411 Microsoft Client
CIST 2613 Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
CIST 2602 Network Security
CIST 2431 UNIX/Linux Introduction
COLL 1060 Introduction to College and Computers
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. Daniela Davies is a Cybersecurity instructor at Augusta Technical College. She received her B.S. in Cybersecurity from the University of Maryland University College and her M.S. in Information Technology Systems Management and Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity from Regis University. Ms. Davies is currently a Cyber Defense Ph.D. candidate at Dakota State University.
Ms. Davies has a military background of 24 years in the Military Intelligence Corps, Signal Corps, and Cyber Corps. After retiring from the military, Ms. Davies continues to work closely with US Army Cyber Command as a defense contractor.
Ms. Davies holds the following industry certifications: GCED (GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender), GICSP (GIAC Industrial Cyber Security Professional), GXPN (GIAC Exploit Researcher & Advanced Penetration Tester), GCFA (GIAC Advanced Digital Forensics & Incident Response), GCIH (Certified Incident Handler), CISSP (ISC2 Certified Information System Security Professional), CEH (EC Council Certified Ethical Hacker, A+ (CompTIA), Network + (CompTIA), Security + (CompTIA), and Demonstrated Senior Logistician (Society of Logistics Engineers)
Ms. Davies joined the Cybersecurity Program as an adjunct instructor in December 2021 and is currently teaching:
CIST 1602 Security Polices & Procedures
Mr. Brian Dorr is a Cybersecurity instructor at Augusta Technical College. He has gained over 20 years of experience in network engineering, information technology, and Cyber Security serving in the military. He has recently retired from military service in May 2023. Following retirement from the military, he began and continues to work Simspace as a Senior Cyber Range Builder. Mr. Dorr started as an adjunct professor in 2022 and has taught several classes over his military career.
His educational background includes a Bachelor’s in Cyber Security and Networks and will complete his Master’s in Cybersecurity in 2023. Mr. Dorr holds numerous industry certifications including CEH, GSEC, ITIL Foundations, CCNA Security and is pursuing his CISSP.
Mr. Dorr joined the Cybersecurity Program as an Adjunct instructor in December of 2022 and is currently teaching:
CIST 2431 Unix/Linux Introduction
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.
Daniel Goodman is a Cybersecurity instructor at Augusta Technical College. He received his B.S. in Cybersecurity and M.S. in Digital Forensics from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
He is currently an active-duty Cyber Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army. He has served in information technology and cybersecurity work roles for 11 years. During this time, he has gained experience in incident response, forensics, threat hunting and offensive cyber operations. He has also worked as an instructor with the U.S. Army. Currently, he is a senior network analyst. Daniel holds the following industry certifications: GCIH (GIAC Certified Incident Handler), GCDA (GIAC Certified Detection Analyst), CompTIA Security +, EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and EC-Council Certified Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI).
Mr. Daniel Goodman joined the Cybersecurity Program as an adjunct instructor in January 2023 and is currently teaching:
CIST2611 Network Defense & Countermeasures
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. Ryan Paul is a Cybersecurity instructor at Augusta Technical College. He holds both a B.S. in Cyber Security and a M.S. in Information Security & Assurance from Norwich University, Vermont. Ryan has served in the U.S. Army for over 14 years in various roles such as Infantryman and Civil Affairs. Currently, he is a Cyber Warrant Officer for the Department of Defense, working as a Sr. Systems Analyst and Cyber Operations Planner.
Ryan is a GIAC Advisory Board member and holds several industry certifications including: CISSP, GASF, GCFA, GCIH, GDAT, GICSP, GNFA, GPYC, GWEB, CASP+, CySA+, and Security+. Ryan joined Augusta Technical College in 2022 and currently teaches:
CIST 2431: UNIX / LINUX Introduction
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!
Mr. Riley is an Adjunct Networking Instructor at Augusta Technical College with more than 25 years of experience in computer technology and communications. Prior to his work at Augusta Technical College, he served as a Technology Support Specialist for Columbia County Public Schools.
Before entering civilian education, Mr. Riley completed 20 years of service in the United States Army, where he worked in a variety of technical roles involving computer systems and radio repair, ultimately serving as a Senior Noncommissioned Officer.
Mr. Riley began teaching at Augusta Technical College in 2010 as a Networking Instructor and continues to support the program as an adjunct faculty member. He is a Cisco Certified Academy Instructor (CCAI) and teaches CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) courses. He also holds the MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) credential and teaches Microsoft courses, as well as CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), teaching ethical hacking and penetration testing.
In addition to his instructional duties, Mr. Riley has served as Vice Chair of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Networking Subcommittee since 2014. His education includes a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Management, along with numerous professional training seminars and multiple IT industry certifications.