NCyTE Co-Principal Investigator, Moraine Valley Community College

Dr. John Sands brings over 36 years of extensive experience in information technology management and cyber defense. He earned his Ph.D. from Colorado State University and has dedicated the past three decades to advancing technology education as a distinguished member of Moraine Valley Community College. Currently serving as the department chair of the Computer Integrated Technologies department, Dr. Sands continues to innovate and lead in the field of cybersecurity and IT education.

Dr. Sands serves as the principal contact for the Moraine Valley Community College Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, a designation that highlights the institution’s commitment to producing highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. He also plays a pivotal role as Co-Director and Principal Investigator for the National Security Agency (NSA) Education Pathway National Center (EPNC), where he leads efforts to develop cybersecurity education pathways across the nation. Additionally, Dr. Sands has taken on a leadership role with the NCyTE Center, directing its National Faculty Development Academy, an initiative that empowers educators nationwide to teach cutting-edge cybersecurity concepts and prepare the next generation of professionals.

Beyond his institutional roles, Dr. Sands has taught advanced courses in Information Security Management at Northwestern University’s Graduate School of Continuing Studies and served as a senior researcher with the Cisco Learning Institute, where he focused on advancing technical education. Over the last 15 years, Dr. Sands has served as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI for numerous National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) projects and centers.

Dr. Sands was instrumental in establishing the Center for System Security and Information Assurance (CSSIA), one of the nation’s first comprehensive NSF ATE-funded cyber defense centers (project #9950037). His leadership has helped shape the future of cybersecurity education. Holding several industry certifications, including CISSP, CCIA, A+, Network+, and Security+, Dr. Sands remains a dedicated advocate for developing a skilled and secure workforce in the ever-evolving world of technology.