Background

Birthplace: Clark AFB, Philippine Island
Professional Background:

Department Chair and College Professor

Cybersecurity SC Innovator of the Year

US Navy – Captain (ret.)

Former Commanding Officer USS WASP (LHD-1)

SREB AI Commission Role: Postsecondary subcommittee member
AI Experience: Pentesting and ethical hacking
Favorite AI App or Use: HackerGPT
Hobbies Outside of Work and AI: Golf, shag dancing, and supporting Clemson sports

Why did you want to be involved in the commission and what has your experience been like so far?

Being part of the Southern Regional Educational Board Commission is a unique opportunity to collaborate with professionals who are dedicated to integrating AI into the secondary and postsecondary education field.

I have always believed in challenging students to achieve more in their educational journeys, and through this commission, I’ve had the chance to learn from others about the best strategies for strengthening our students’ learning experiences. By implementing innovative processes, we can equip students with the tools they need to excel and fully leverage emerging technologies in education.

How might AI change how  we teach?

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform the way we teach in multiple ways. First, AI can enhance student learning by recognizing individual learning styles and motivations, allowing students to engage with challenging projects at a pace that aligns with their abilities. By developing adaptive AI-driven tools, we can create a more personalized and effective learning experience.

Second, AI can empower teachers by seamlessly integrating into curricula, enriching learning objectives and providing students with timely, data-driven feedback to strengthen their understanding and skills.

Third, we must involve parents in this AI-driven educational transformation. Developing programs that equip parents with essential AI tools will enable them to better support their child’s academic progress at home, fostering a more collaborative and effective learning environment.

Do you believe AI can support educators without diminishing human interaction and emotional intelligence in the classroom?

I believe AI will not only support educators but also enhance human interaction in the classroom. By facilitating collaboration in team or group environments, AI can help students share their progress and engage more meaningfully with their peers.

Once individualized learning environments are established in AI-driven classrooms, educators will be able to monitor team dynamics, assess emotional intelligence and provide targeted guidance. This approach ensures that as students work through projects and assignments, they develop both academic and interpersonal skills, fostering a well-rounded learning experience.

How might the work of this commission change the course of AI in education?

Synergism is the best way to describe what the Commission is accomplishing. Each member brings unique expertise and professional experience, contributing to a methodology that lays a strong foundation for AI integration in education.

More importantly, AI has the potential to strengthen our educational system, reduce costs and enable administrators and educators to monitor student progress more effectively. By mastering AI-driven tools, school districts can make strategic adjustments, ensuring that learning remains adaptive, efficient and accessible to all.

In an April 2024 feature on the WPDE ABC News 15 website, HGTC cyber security professor joins prestigious AI education panel, you said that AI is “…like your cell phone, at first it was like nobody could use it, but now I can see people from the youngest ages to the elderly are very comfortable using it. And that’s what AI can afford us, but we just have to understand how to protect ourselves as AI develops.”

Can you elaborate on that last comment? What do we need to understand to protect ourselves?

AI offers incredible opportunities for education, but its benefits do not eliminate the risks associated with cybersecurity and emerging digital threats. Educational institutions must be proactive in training skilled cybersecurity analysts and networking personnel to integrate multilayered defense systems that safeguard the future learning environment.

Additionally, it is crucial to recognize the growing number of threat actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. Without the proper security tools and protocols in place, institutions will continue to face network breaches and successful cyberattacks. Protecting ourselves as AI develops requires a comprehensive approach—one that prioritizes security, education and adaptation to evolving threats.

Anything else you would like to share?

Education in both secondary and postsecondary fields must evolve toward a more expansive virtual learning environment. While there are highly qualified teachers in schools across every state, there are not enough to meet the growing demand in every district or college.

To address this gap, each state could establish a virtual academy in subjects like AI, programming, advanced mathematics and foreign languages. By leveraging virtual learning, states can create more equitable educational opportunities while preparing students for the evolving demands of the modern world.