Cybersecurity Instructor Shares Real-World Experience

Susan Horton joined Campbell University Adult & Online Education faculty in 2019. She brings a rich and diverse perspective to the Cybersecurity program with over 15 years of professional experience in the Information Technology field and nine years of experience as an instructor. Her passion for teaching led her to the Raleigh campus where she utilizes a combination of her academic and professional background in the classroom. “Campbell [Adult & Online Education] presents an avenue of flexibility,” she says, “and I like being able build and contribute to this new program.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 32% job growth for professions in the information security field.

Students with a degree in Cybersecurity find work in the public and private sector as software developers, network engineers, and cybersecurity analysts.

Horton began her IT career after transitioning from an accounting position to work on an IT help desk.“You can’t be afraid of the work,” she says. “You have to be willing to be trained and learn and get into the environment.” In addition to her job as a Campbell University instructor, Horton works as a Release Manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina (BCBSNC) where she oversees application infrastructure changes for cloud-based security systems.

Campbell University’s Cybersecurity program provides students interested in technology and online crime activity the opportunity to learn technical, theoretical, and analytical skills through a comprehensive curriculum.

Horton offers a one-of-a-kind learning experience by regularly inviting her colleagues into the classroom to engage with students in real-world conversations.

“Some of the students have never worked in IT and this gives them a perspective about what to expect in this profession” she explains. Those scenarios are incorporated alongside instruction materials to give students the context of how those lessons may be applied.

When asked what motivates her to teach, Horton describes the desire, courage, and determination of adult learners to pursue higher education. “When you decide to become a student, that’s a decision to make changes that dramatically improve your quality of life,” she says. “Having once been a non-traditional student, I’m humbled and honored to help others think, build, and live success in their life.”