Guest post by Key Takeaways

• AI adoption succeeds when the human element—culture, engagement, learning—is prioritised alongside technology.
• Feedback loops and innovation spaces help employees feel part of the AI journey, increasing buy‑in and success.
• Leadership must make AI literacy and shared responsibility core to the adoption process for meaningful integration.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the integration of human-centric principles is critical to maximize AI’s full potential while building an AI-ready culture. The success of AI adoption hinges on people and the ways in which they work, far more than on technology alone. But despite a demonstrated potential for AI to turbo-boost productivity and revolutionize work, most organizations struggle to translate AI potential into reality. Gartner reports that , largely because organizations rush into AI initiatives without adequate planning, workforce training, or change management. About 80% of workers report that their organizations have not provided training on generative AI, leaving a widespread lack of guidance in navigating these advanced tools. The result? Wasted time, frustrated employees, and growing skepticism about AI’s real value. To build the skills necessary for successful AI integration, many professionals are turning to an information technology masters to gain a strong foundation in both technical and strategic areas. A concluded that successful early adopters of generative AI technology focus heavily on educating, upskilling, and reskilling staff to create a new mindset and culture that embraces AI. Here are three human-centered priorities for AI adoption that will improve AI project success and build a workforce that is better prepared for the transformative changes that are coming.

1.�������� AI Literacy as the First Step to AI Success

Leading companies are embracing AI literacy programs designed to equip employees with both technological knowledge and practical application skills. Instead of treating AI as a tool for a select few experts, successful organizations are making AI knowledge accessible to employees at all levels. Widespread AI literacy helps bridge the gap between IT and business staff by enabling good communication, and fosters the kind of employee confidence that reduces fear and resistance. Furthermore, it helps maximize effective AI use: when employees understand AI, they can better identify opportunities to apply it in their work.

2.�������� ��Upskilling and Reskilling Prepares Workers for Change

The World Economic Forum noted that , with more than 40% of companies foreseeing major job disruptions as AI automates some tasks. Companies that invest in upskilling and reskilling can take better advantage of new AI capabilities and retain productive talent rather than replace it. Organizations that only focus on AI literacy without acknowledging the need for more specific training may struggle to see real productivity gains from AI adoption. But companies that develop general AI knowledge while also preparing staff with focused AI training and new skills as workflows and business needs evolve will see more successful AI projects.

3.�������� Organizational Change Management for AI Adoption

Much like any technology effort, the likelihood of AI adoption success depends more on business process change and human behavior change than the technical deployment. Targeted and intentional organizational change management (OCM) is critical to creating the necessary understanding, desire, and action for change. Effective OCM will connect current AI projects to company strategy that has been communicated as part of overall AI literacy. This connection to the larger strategic direction can create better context and buy-in for incoming changes. Training that is unique to the project capabilities being introduced and that shows how this project relates to specific business goals can improve workforce performance and comfort. Reinforcement helps to prevent AI abandonment while building new habits that contribute to long term AI adoption success.

Other Considerations for Integrating AI

There are several other human-centered activities a company can implement to support AI integration and encourage creating a culture that is resilient during a time of change.

Continuing Education

Quality academic programs can empower company leaders to adopt AI solutions and be champions for change. For example, the University of Denver has career-focused AI programs through its College of Professional Studies that emphasize IT and AI skills for IT professionals, emerging leaders, and established executives. The master’s concentration and certificate program in AI Strategy and Application in IT was built for working professionals and delivers a powerful combination of industry-aligned skills and academic rigor. The combination of hands-on experiential learning and cutting-edge concepts from thought leaders and industry experts provides the core competencies students need to become knowledgeable and influential AI champions in their organizations to drive innovation and change in this era of AI disruption and opportunity.

Continuous Improvement Practices

Effective feedback loops can help reinforce the importance of the human side of AI adoption when feedback results in visible action. By embedding continuous improvement programs into company culture, organizations create a dynamic environment where employees feel valued, new tools are embraced, and the company is adaptive to the changing technology landscape.

Innovation Programs

Employees are more likely to embrace AI if they see it solving real problems. Innovation teams or programs where fresh ideas are welcomed will allow workers to take an active role in defining how AI fits into their work. A culture that is safe for employees to test AI-related ideas and encourages employees to become internal advocates for adoption can be more effective than top-down mandates.

Call to Action – What can Leaders and Employees Do Now

To bridge the growing gap between AI adoption and workforce readiness, organizations must take a proactive and structured approach that emphasizes the human side of AI adoption. Leaders must be intentional about fostering a culture of AI proficiency that empowers employees to use these technologies effectively. By making AI education and reinforcement a shared responsibility, businesses can foster a workforce that is not only AI-literate but also better prepared for the evolving technological landscape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• Cloud computing has become central to speed, flexibility, and cost savings in modern organizations’ technology strategies.
• Guest expert Chad Eckles shares insights from 15+ years in cybersecurity and Department of Defense projects, emphasizing security, architecture, and cost management in cloud adoption.
• The article ties directly to DU’s Technology Leadership and IT programs, helping leaders make informed, secure cloud integration decisions.

�� This week, we’re pleased to feature a guest blog post on cloud integration from Chad Eckles, who has over 15 years of technical and leadership experience in the cybersecurity industry and with the Department of Defense. He will teach Technology Leadership in the Winter 2025 term in our IT program. Cloud computing has become a cornerstone for businesses seeking speed, flexibility, and cost savings. By lowering capital expenditures and reducing the need for additional overhead, cloud computing has become an integral part of nearly every technology executive’s long-term strategy. However, weaving cloud solutions into an organization’s technology fabric requires careful consideration of both security and cost management. In an ever-changing world of cloud technology, finding the right balance can be easier said than done. If you’re looking to deepen your expertise in this area, consider pursuing a masters in information technology to gain advanced skills and stay ahead in the field.

Developing a Clear Cloud Strategy

Traditionally, leaders have often approached the cloud journey similar to their legacy, on-premise datacenter. But cloud is different – scalability is almost limitless, a vast array of services become instantly available, and software integration shifts dramatically. All of this being said, a clear and well-outlined cloud strategy is absolutely foundational before traveling too far down the path. Start by thinking through specific needs of the organization and how the core business objectives could be better enabled via the shift towards cloud computing. Is the decision purely financial? Are you hoping to enhance operational effectiveness, improve performance, or have quicker access to more advanced tooling? Understanding the “why” behind the move will help shape and mold your cloud strategy in a way that is meaningful to the business. Additionally, gaining a firm grasp on your current environment’s inventory and technical landscape is paramount. Identifying mission-critical applications and supporting infrastructure, candidate systems for decommissioning, and any high-risk components of your architecture will help scope and prioritize cloud initiatives in a logical, secure, and purpose-driven manner.

Prioritizing Security and Data Protection

is a core tenet of doing business in the cloud and many of the traditional cybersecurity guardrails still are in play. First, encrypt data both in-transit and at-rest. Although many cloud service providers now include default encryption, it is advisable to implement key management solutions using customer-managed keys for the most optimal protection. Identity has become the primary focus of modern security. Experts now agree that, unlike the past emphasis on firewalls, securing identity is the new critical entry point that must be safeguarded. Security measures such as multifactor authentication (MFA), just-in-time (JIT) access, and role-based access controls should be a top priority. Learning from ransomware cases over the last decade, basics such as backups must not be forgotten. The power of cloud allows organizations to more easily replicate data to various regions to improve disaster recovery and business continuity. Lastly, many cloud vendors offer native intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewalls, and security monitoring solutions to address security threats. Collectively, these capabilities help the business better detect and respond to significant risks that could cause serious damage.

Monitoring and Optimizing Cloud Spend

Rapid deployment and scalability are exciting, but cost still must be managed wisely. Begin by monitoring and establishing a baseline for expenditures. Are costs continually fluctuating or staying relatively flat? While cost estimation calculators provide initial figures, ongoing monitoring aligns expectations with reality. It is also recommended to leverage cost optimization tooling to reveal where saving opportunities could occur. Evaluate the necessity of 24/7 server operation, use autoscaling for high-traffic periods, and right-size resources accordingly. These strategies effectively optimize spending and keep the budget in check. It is also important to recognize that your cloud journey will evolve. Regularly review and adjust cloud usage to align to strategic business objectives. Conducting periodic assessments focused on efficient resource utilization and cost-saving opportunities will provide up-to-date intelligence that enables better decision-making for the business.

Engaging Stakeholders

One item that unfortunately gets less attention than it truly deserves is stakeholder engagement. Even if the balance sheet looks healthier and advanced technology is enticing, we must not overlook how stakeholders and customers will experience it. Engaging stakeholders from across the organization, as well as external consumer groups, allow you to consider multiple perspectives. Communication is crucial to stakeholder engagement and embracing a growth mindset is encouraged. Regular updates and transparent communication not only build trust and make participants feel valued, but they also lead to a more robust and improved outcome than initially planned.

Conclusion

Integrating cloud solutions into your corporate technology strategy can provide massive benefits, but it can also present a plethora of risks as well. By educating yourself on these practices, along with other core lessons learned in DU’s technology-focused coursework in cloud strategy, cybersecurity, architecture, and data protection, you will set yourself up for success when navigating the many complexities of operating securely and effectively in the cloud. �� Chad Eckles (M.S., Regis University)��is a seasoned technology professional who currently leads the development and engineering of a large-scale cloud program at a prominent software development company. In this role, he builds security policies, designs technical architectures, and provides advisory services on security best practices. Chad has been teaching at the University of Denver since 2021 and has previously taught at Colorado Technical University, specializing in computer science and cybersecurity studies. With over 15 years of technical and leadership experience in the cybersecurity industry and the Department of Defense (DoD), he has supported a diverse portfolio of high-visibility projects. Additionally, Chad serves as a Maritime Cyber Warfare Officer in the Navy Reserves, where he helps lead Sailors across various cyberspace and intelligence mission sets to support national security.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• DU offers tailored support for veterans seeking career transitions through industry-aligned academic programs and real-world skill development.
• Veterans gain confidence as they apply structured thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills from service into classroom learning and professional goals.
• Online courses provide the flexibility many veterans need while building a foundation for long-term career advancement.
• Sharing stories of veteran students promotes visibility, encouragement, and inspiration within both military and academic communities.

“I feel lucky as a veteran that I’ve gotten to take advantage of those benefits to attend this graduate school.”

Using GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Benefits

Career-Relevant Environmental Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• Technology leadership requires linking tech initiatives to mission‑critical business goals.
• Managing talent effectively involves more than oversight — it means investing in growth and aligning roles with individual strengths.
• A dual focus on a clear mission and strong talent management enables tech leaders to drive meaningful, lasting impact.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, effective leadership is more crucial than ever. As a professional with experience in IT leadership, I’ve identified two key elements that can drive transformation within an organization: a clear mission and talent management. These are two pillars that I emphasize in the graduate-level Information Technology classes I teach at DU because they are so crucial to success at a leadership level.

Clear Mission

The foundation of successful technology leadership lies in understanding and articulating a clear mission, a roadmap ensuring that all efforts align with the overarching goals. In the context of IT, this means not only focusing on technological advancements but also understanding how these technologies can serve broader business objectives.

Many IT leaders fall into the trap of championing new technology initiatives that primarily benefit the IT department. However, to truly make an impact and secure a “seat at the table” with other executives, it’s crucial to present these initiatives as integral parts of the organization’s overall strategy.

For instance, rather than pushing for a new software implementation solely for its technical merits, an IT leader should demonstrate how the software will enhance efficiency across departments, improve customer experience, or contribute to financial growth.

By framing technology projects as organizational projects, IT leaders can better communicate the value of their proposals to non-technical stakeholders. This approach not only fosters buy-in from other departments but also positions IT as a critical partner in achieving the company’s mission.

Talent Management

The second crucial aspect of technology leadership is talent management. Notice that I say “talent management” rather than “people management.” The distinction is important because it shifts the focus from merely managing employees to nurturing their skills and potential.

Effective talent management involves identifying and leveraging the strengths of team members while also providing opportunities for growth in areas where they may need development.

This approach requires a keen understanding of each team member’s unique abilities and aspirations. By assigning tasks and projects that align with their strengths, leaders can maximize productivity and job satisfaction.

Conversely, by challenging employees with assignments that stretch their capabilities, leaders can help them develop new skills and expand their “toolbox.” This not only benefits the individual but also enhances the overall capability of the team.

A key takeaway for technology leaders is the importance of viewing their team members as assets whose skills and contributions are critical to the organization’s success. By focusing on talent management, leaders can ensure that the right people are in the right roles, ultimately driving the organization toward its goals.

Building Technology Leadership Skills and Ability

These two elements of technology management, and strategies for implementing them, are taught in depth in the Information Technology program at DU’s University College. The Technology Management master’s concentration is particularly designed for professionals who are ready to take their leadership skills to the next level and learn to manage technology and teams, solve business challenges, and help their organizations achieve competitive advantage.

Technology careers need more than technical know-how. Our Information Technology bachelor’s major helps students build IT career skills tied to systems, strategy, leadership, problem solving, and business impact.

My understanding of these concepts was hard-won, but I know my students will take insights like these to launch productive leadership careers. Especially in the fast-moving field of technology, a leader must constantly strive to balance short-term decision-making with more long-term strategic thinking. Strengths-based talent management and a clear mission aligning with business goals are both key to making a lasting impact.

Al Gardner is an information technology executive with a nearly three-decade career marked by engineering expertise, visionary leadership and strong community engagement. Currently he serves as the Executive Director of General Services for the City and County of Denver. Previously he excelled in sectors including telecommunications, non-profit organizations, hospitality and healthcare. He is a Board Member of the Colorado Technology Association and has taught in DU’s Information Technology Program since 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• AI tools can be powerful, but they also raise real security and privacy concerns when sensitive data is involved.
• The safest approach is to understand how tools handle information, then set clear boundaries for what should never be entered or shared
• Building “AI literacy” helps teams use these tools responsibly, so innovation does not outpace risk management.

This week, we’re pleased to feature the first in a series of guest posts from Information Technology Academic Director Cathie Wilson. Wilson is a longtime leader in the IT and database technology fields and has also worked as an IT educator for 15 years. (). She has led University College’s IT program since 2021. ��

In the cybersecurity space, it’s well known that the biggest security vulnerability in any organization is an end-user that unintentionally allows malicious access. The same is true for AI.

Unless AI end-users and employees are well educated on appropriate AI use, it’s increasingly likely that AI-driven vulnerabilities will be exposed. These vulnerabilities include sharing company data and exposing customer data.

This means that the responsibility of protecting company and customer data does not just fall on the cybersecurity team, but also every business professional by arming themselves with the knowledge required to be a responsible AI user.

The Responsible AI Institute recently published a guide on “,” and just last week released a great blog post titled “.”

I believe that knowledge of AI and the opportunities and risks it presents will be essential knowledge for all professionals. At the College of Professional Studies at University of Denver, we are leaning into AI education with a new master’s or certificate in AI Strategy and Application in IT to ensure that IT professionals are prepared to be informed leaders in organizational AI strategies, with a focus on responsible AI practices.

With comprehensive education and thoughtful application, AI can become a powerful (and secure) addition to our technology toolbelt.

This is the first of a series of periodic blog posts from IT Academic Director Cathie Wilson. Watch this blog to learn more about responsible AI use in business, or find out more about how the AI Strategy and Application in IT master’s degree and graduate certificate can equip you to use the power of AI to achieve business goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• Supply chains play a critical role in both contributing to and addressing climate change, making it essential to design sustainable systems that reduce environmental harm.
• The new book by DU instructor Jim Tompkins explores how climate resilience and responsible supply chain leadership can protect the planet while ensuring business continuity.
• Integrating sustainability into logistics and procurement decisions is becoming a strategic priority for companies responding to ecological and regulatory pressures.
• Higher education programs are preparing professionals to lead green transformation efforts by combining real-world case studies with systems thinking.

A new book from a University College leader tackles the immense problem of climate change with some innovative thinking.

Jack Buffington is a longtime executive in the supply chain industry and is now the Director of the Supply Chain Management program at University College. In his new book, Environmental Innovation: An Action Plan for Saving the Economy and the Planet by 2050, he argues that the solution to this global issue will have to come at a more localized and practical scale.

“We’ve had all these international initiatives and UN proclamations that try to address climate change, but that’s not how humans solve problems,” he says. “The innovation is going to happen at a community and individual level.”

Buffington developed expertise in packaging material science, sustainability, and recycling after working as an executive at MillerCoors and seeing the boom in single-use (disposable) materials. He has written several previous books, including Reinventing the Supply Chain, Peak Plastic: The Rise or Fall of our Synthetic World, and Frictionless Markets: A 21st Century Supply Chain. His research led him to advocate for more interdisciplinary approaches that bridge policy, science, economics, and logistics.

“That’s where I think the answers lie,” says Buffington. “The technologies are in place. It’s the human systems that are lacking.”

In his new book, Buffington outlines an action plan to meet climate goals by 2050 without sacrificing economic growth. He zeroes in on strategies in all sectors, from energy to food to materials. For example, energy utilities in the U.S. are currently highly centralized and entrenched in fossil fuel-based infrastructure. Buffington advocates for a hub-and-spoke model closer to China’s system, in which communities and households generate their own renewable energy across the grid.

“The moral of the story is: we know what the solutions are, but in certain parts of the world, including where we live, we ��Dz�’t have the incentives to make this happen,” he says.

“You can’t make this about the environment or the economy. You have to solve both.”

Buffington thinks a lot about incentives. He believes that most regular consumers aren’t focused on environmental issues because they’re more concerned with their day-to-day expenses and responsibilities. “So you can’t make this about the environment or the economy. You have to solve both.”

Teaching Upcoming Supply Chain Problem-Solvers

Buffington’s deep interest in both the environment and supply chain problems means that professionals looking for a degree or certificate in sustainable supply chain systems can find exactly that at DU’s University College. As the program’s director, he focuses on teaching students how to think more holistically and use data to solve big problems.

“It’s not about memorizing facts,” he says. “In today’s world, everybody has Google, so content is irrelevant. The real magic of our program is learning to ask good questions and process the content into decisions.”

This emphasis on critical thinking means that graduates of the program are in high demand for supply chain positions.

“In supply chain and logistics, we engage in structured problem solving to figure out these problems. We don’t have the answers. We have the questions,” he says.

Buffington meets personally with every student pursuing a master’s in Supply Chain Management and helps them create a professional development plan.

“It’s cliché to say we ��Dz�’t teach students what to think, we teach them how to think. But it’s true,” he says. “It’s our job to challenge people and teach them to solve big problems.”

See more on DU’s master’s degree in Supply Chain Management and the graduate certificate in Supply Chain Management.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Nanette Lockwood is a serious figure in the world of global environmental advocacy, influencing the formation and continuation of the Paris Accord and Montreal Protocol climate initiatives. Now, as an instructor in University College’s Environmental Policy and Management program, she wants to give professionals a fast-track to impact the climate in their future careers.

“Teaching is an opportunity to work with students who are passionate about the topic and help them move more quickly into this arena,” Lockwood says. “If we’re going to make a difference in the climate, then we need to get people up to speed as fast as possible.”

Making an impact along the way

Lockwood began her career in engineering, working in the cleanup of contaminants in the ground and water, but quickly decided that cleanup wasn’t enough. She wanted to tackle the root causes of environmental problems. She earned her master’s in environmental engineering, a law degree, and another master’s in environmental law, all while working full-time.

Working for consulting firms and large multinational corporations trying to influence the regulatory system, Lockwood rose to advocacy positions in more influential arenas. She interacted with the energy, architectural, and automotive sectors in her work to make environmental regulations more effective.

Most recently, she worked for Trane Technologies, where she oversaw climate policy and advocacy on a global basis, leading the company’s US and United Nations advocacy engagement at climate weeks and at the Montreal Protocol and Paris Agreement annual meetings.

Giving back through University College

Lockwood stresses that environmental issues cannot be combatted incrementally—the changes must be “transformational.” Her diverse portfolio of experience provides exceptional opportunities for students to get firsthand insight into all facets of environmental law and policy.

“DU’s Environmental Policy and Management program provides a unique opportunity to learn from people in the field and to learn functional skills that will allow them to take action and truly make a difference,” she said.

Lockwood believes this real-world understanding of how best to engage in the regulatory process is vital. “You can come in [to my course] and learn a lot about the legal side of things, which you need to know if you are going to make any changes without having to go to law school,” she said.

After a long and impactful career, Lockwood is focused on developing thoughtful and essential practices in her students so that her fight for positive change can not only endure, but progress.

“Everything I have always worked on has filtered into addressing the climate situation,” Lockwood says. By teaching the next generation, Lockwood wants “to be able to make a difference in something I have strong feelings about, and I want to make the world a better place.”

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Key Takeaways

• Cybersecurity demand keeps growing because every organization depends on systems and data that need protection.
• The field is not only technical, it also values communication, risk thinking, and the ability to explain threats clearly to non-experts
• Education and mentorship can help learners enter the field with more confidence, structure, and practical understanding.

You might be excused for thinking that instructor Richard Staynings never sleeps, so constant is his writing on the topic of cybersecurity. Staynings is continually sounding the alarm bells about the vulnerabilities in our digital infrastructure.

“We in the U.S. are more reliant on technology than any other society, and yet we don’t have the people that are capable of securing that technology,” he says.

Staynings has been in the cybersecurity industry for 30 years, in C-suite positions at major companies and as a sought-after consultant to governments, executives, and working groups. He has worked for Amgen, Cisco, Intermountain Healthcare, PeaceHealth, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Intel, Microsoft, and Zurich Financial. Now he also teaches cybersecurity-focused courses at DU’s College of Professional Studies.

Learning to protect and defend

Staynings focuses on cybersecurity in healthcare, where systems are much more complex – and involve graver consequences – than sectors like retail. He’s seen healthcare organizations become a top target for cyber-attacks over the past 10 years. Ransomware attacks, denial-of-service attacks, and breaches exposing personal, financial, and health information have been in the news.

“Health information is extremely valuable – to identity thieves, to prescription thieves, to medical insurance fraudsters, and to extortionists,” he says.

In Staynings’ cybersecurity-focused courses at DU’s College of Professional Studies, students learn how to anticipate and , how to adhere to security regulations, and how to respond to any security breaches.

“The cybersecurity-focused coursework at DU is very up-to-date, not just abstract ideas for the sake of it,” he says. “It’s about real-world scenarios, real-world cyber-attacks, and real-world risks that these students are going to face in their role when they graduate.”

Healthcare industry risks

Staynings is currently Chief Security Strategist for Cylera, a cybersecurity company specializing in securing the Internet of Things (IoT) in medicine. He gets animated when pointing out the risks present in devices that are increasingly internet-connected – items like glucose monitors, surgical robots, MRI machines and lab temperature monitors.

“They now account for about 75% of connected endpoints at hospitals, and they are generally not managed by hospital IT, meaning they’re not patched or updated regularly, and ��Dz�’t have antivirus software on them,” he says. “They are the open back door to cybersecurity in healthcare right now.”

Staynings imagines a scenario in which it may even be possible to alter an individual’s medical records. “Say I go in for surgery next week and just before my operation my medical record is hacked and my blood type is altered and my list of medication allergies is removed. Before you know it, I’m coding on the table,” Staynings posits. Luckily, there’s little incentive to alter a single person’s medical record, but the security vulnerabilities are alarming.

The demand for workers

The need for cybersecurity professionals to address such vulnerabilities is acute. A Congressional hearing this year found a critical lack of cybersecurity workers. There are about 660,000 cybersecurity job openings, and only enough workers for about two-thirds of them. Demand is outpacing supply, one Congressional witness said, and many companies are seeking applicants that have college degrees.

“Anyone who’s considering their career options right now would be well advised to consider cybersecurity,” Staynings says. “It’s no longer a pure technology discipline as it was 15-20 years ago. You ��Dz�’t need to be a programmer.”

Staynings says those with backgrounds in communications, policy, logistics, and education all can leverage their talents in the cybersecurity field with a bit of upskilling.

“If you develop a career in cybersecurity, you’ll have a job for life,” he says. Perhaps then, Staynings, and the rest of us, can get some rest.

DU is recognized as an NSA Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE). To see all of DU’s cybersecurity offerings, visit .

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• Strong risk assessment skills improve strategic planning, resilience, and operational stability.

• Using structured methods helps professionals evaluate and respond to risks more effectively.

• Cross-sector applications make risk assessment a universally valuable competency.

It’s not your imagination – natural disasters are and . As the earth’s climate warms, the question is not if a disaster will hit your area, but when.

The U.S. has already seen a record number of billion-dollar disasters in 2023 so far. We’ve seen wildfire smoke blanketing the northeast, an uncommonly active hurricane season, and blistering heat across the southern U.S. There’s been flooding in California and New England, destructive hail in Colorado, and at least 1,000 tornadoes in the Midwest. Most devastating of all, a wildfire in Lahaina, Maui, killed at least 115 people. These increasingly frequent climate-related disasters highlight the urgent need for resilient health systems—something that professionals with healthcare masters degrees online are uniquely prepared to help develop and lead.

This new reality may soon become relevant in a place you wouldn’t expect – your workplace. Businesses are increasingly acknowledging the need to plan for disasters, mitigate their effects, and be part of the solution.

In the Environmental Policy and Management program at the University of Denver’s University College, we’re focused on business acumen and equip professionals to lead the way in addressing natural disaster risk.

For professionals seeking to build expertise in environmental emergency management specifically, our Emergency Planning and Response concentration teaches how to mitigate and respond to disasters and major environmental emergencies. You can study risk reduction strategies, learn to create and execute an emergency management plan, and build the skills to effectively respond to environmental incidents, from initial response through recovery.

For a wider scope, the Flex Path program allows you to tailor your course of environmental study, choosing eight courses for your master’s degree that are most relevant to your desired career path. This could include classes in environmental policy, sustainability, health and safety, or analytics.

Every organization, large and small, now must consider its natural disaster risk and response. For workers seeking to lead prevention and resilience efforts, the Environmental Policy and Management program at University College makes career and business sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

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In support of Cybersecurity Awareness month, we spoke with��Tony Mendoza, a student at DU’s College of Professional Studies.��Tony reached out to share how his class experience is already positively impacting his day-to-day professional work. Tony offers insight as a current student and working cybersecurity professional.

Tony is well into a successful career in IT. He currently works with a company in Boulder, CO, and after being hit with a significant ransomware attack, he decided it was time to strengthen his skills and build up a stronger knowledge base in cybersecurity..

“After “surviving” a major ransomware attack, I wanted to increase my knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity management to be better prepared in the future, especially with the threat landscape growing exponentially.”

Already a season ticket holder and fan of the DU hockey team, Tony decided it would be a perfect time to become a student and eventual alum.

“I found the cybersecurity content to be most rewarding, especially since cybersecurity has become a major part of my day-to-day management and strategy at work. The content of the coursework is very applicable to my job and has helped me countless times in executive meetings where cybersecurity is a top priority.

Last quarter was a prime example of directly applying what I was learning in class to my job. I was enrolled in a course called Cybersecurity Policy when, towards the end of the course, our company was dealing with a cybersecurity threat that resulted in me having to develop a new cybersecurity policy for our organization. I took my coursework (my actual assignments) and was able to quickly adjust them to present to our executive team. It was 100% applicable! In addition to learning what tools to use to develop cybersecurity policy, we were taught the appropriate techniques to present cybersecurity policy to executive boards and the board of directors.”

When asked what he would share with anyone considering a University College graduate program, Tony had this to share:

“My best advice would be to do it now, ��Dz�’t wait! The graduate program offers valuable, applicable coursework that provides the skills I needed to advance my career. I am in the middle of the program, and I have already applied what I have learned in the real world and advanced my career because of it.

The faculty that I have had the pleasure of being a student of are amazing. They really know what they are talking about, have real-world experience, and provide real-world tools. I am so excited that I can apply what I am learning and the tools I have been given to my job – the same day I learn it!”

Students learn through experiential learning, case study analysis, and examination of leading security technologies. Students obtain insight into governance, compliance, regulatory issues, and cybersecurity considerations. This information benefits students starting on day one and can be applied directly to their current professional experience. Classes are held online or in the evening, making them easy for working professionals to attend. Graduation can happen in as few as 18 months.

Tony’s story shows how applied learning can help working professionals address real cybersecurity challenges. Explore current technology-focused options at DU’s College of Professional Studies.

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